Auburn, MA
Interview 1:44PM
September 20, 2002

Were you glad you hired Cline & Migner?

Oh yes! He was so special… I was injured from second hand smoke. Our case made headlines around the world.  Do you know about the details of my case?

I actually just read the newspaper clippings about it, but tell me about it yourself.

Channing stuck his neck out.  He took on a real challenge.  There was no law about second hand smoke. I think it was the first case on second hand smoke in whole country.  It was quite a feat. It was quite special that we could make a difference in so many people’s lives.  

We were fighting my employer (a major Commonwealth of Mass public entity). They are so big and powerful.  Channing had to do a tremendous amount of research and studying. Our Case lasted 3 years.  Mine is a hidden injury. I can’t breathe, but you can’t really see that from looking at me.  That made it even harder for Channing, but he used my doctor’s and all the medical records to show just how injured I really am. We were in and out of court. I had to go see so many specialists….  The judge kept it for a whole year before coming out with decision. We finally made our mark and it was a good one.

So, you were happy with the outcome?

The decision was wonderful. After that, all government buildings went smoke free. After our case, the tobacco companies got up in arms…and all the campaigns against them started.  Channing started it all!  

Up at U-Mass Medical, they even did a big write up about their doctors and me and that was the very first big building to go smoke free. 

Financially, they now take care of all my related medicals..and I get money each month until I die.   I have been offered a lump sum a couple of times, but Channing suggested and I decided that this way would be much better for me… so I know I’ll always be okay.   

Sadly, my medical problems won’t ever get better.  I really had to come to grips with that. But, I just take each day one at a time and say.”Life’s Good!”  There’s really no point to complaining.

How did you find Channing in the first place to choose him as your lawyer?  

My son John is an attorney in Quincy, Mass. He recommended Channing. He thinks he is the tops. (So do I!)   I lived in Belmont.  I worked in Boston for years and then moved and worked in Auburn.  I’m living out of state now, but Channing still takes care of my legal needs… the distance really doesn’t matter to him.

What did like about Channing?

He worked so hard ...  and Channing worked so well with all the doctors. The doctor experts he found to help us worked so very hard as well.  The work and research he did…He looked for the perfect medical professionals and experts to help.  That was so important.   Channing made me really feel like he had a personal interest in me.

And his office staff…. They are so continuous in their caring.   You feel like yours is the most important case. (Even though I know they have lots of cases.)  Sue is so good with details. His whole staff is so meticulous with details….that’s so very important. 

Channing is low key, gentle. During our case, the other side kept badgering us for hours. He handles pressure so well! He is so calm, cool and collected. He doesn’t get ruffled (like I do!) and he is so caring…. He is so polished and professional, not coarse at all.  

Would you refer other people to them?

OH YES 100 times over absolutely!!! … He’s a very special person and a plus to the law.  He is an absolute plus to the whole profession.