Michael T Loconto

Michael T Loconto

Neutral labor arbitrator & mediator. On-demand general counsel for tech & SMBs.
  • Arbitration & Mediation, Education Law, Gov & Administrative Law ...
  • Massachusetts
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Biography

Michael Loconto is an on-demand general counsel for tech startups and small- to medium-size businesses, and a neutral, impartial arbitrator and mediator for labor and employment disputes.

Mike has served as general counsel for a small college and as a policy, compliance and labor relations leader for a large, decentralized university, where he was the institution's first Youth Protection Officer, designing and implementing a process to promote child safety in campus programs. He began his career as a labor lawyer for the City of Boston.

Mike's reputation as a fair dealer is built on mutual respect and a commitment to reasonable outcomes, leading to enduring relationships with employee representatives in higher education, K-12, public safety, construction and trades.

Mike has taught legal writing and research at his alma mater, Northeastern University School of Law, and is a sought-after public speaker and convener on contemporary labor and education issues. He has presented before the Labor & Employment Relations Association, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education and the National Center for the Study of Collective Bargaining in Higher Education, among others. He is currently teaching contracts at The Labor Guild School of Labor-Management Relations in Boston.

Mike's commitment to fairness and equity is the foundation for his long record of volunteer public service, with efforts in economic development and youth empowerment intended to make Boston a welcoming and supportive city for all. Mike served seven years on the Boston School Committee (including three as Chairperson), where his efforts contributed to expansion of pre-kindergarten and inclusive classrooms, closing opportunity and achievement gaps for students of color, advancing equitable admissions policies for selective schools, increased public school funding and new school buildings.

Practice Areas
Arbitration & Mediation
Education Law
Gov & Administrative Law
Administrative Law, Legislative & Government Affairs
Municipal Law
Additional Practice Areas
  • Contracts
  • Data and Website Privacy Compliance
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers
ID Number: 654280
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Core Member
Underscore VC
- Current
(Unpaid advisor) Supports pre-seed tech startups to plan for sustainable operations and business development for EdTech and GovTech ventures.
Arbitrator and Mediator
Loconto ADR
- Current
Neutral Arbitrator, Mediator and Fact Finder in labor-management disputes. A member of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service Roster of Arbitrators and other private rosters and panels, and available to hear disputes virtually and in-person along the eastern seaboard and throughout the Midwest. Located in Boston with offices in Ft. Lauderdale, Minneapolis and Lancaster, PA. Visit https://locontoadr.com for a CV and contact information regarding booking, rates and cancellation schedules.
Founding Principal
Fenway Law LLC
- Current
General Counsel
Curry College
-
Previous position held: College Counsel.
Member and Chairperson
Boston School Committee
-
Deputy Director of Policy and Compliance and Youth Protection Officer
Harvard University
-
Previous position held: Associate Director of Labor & Employee Relations.
Adjunct Lecturer
Northeastern University School of Law
-
Legal Research & Writing Program for first-year law students.
Labor Relations Counsel
City of Boston
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Education
Northeastern University School of Law
J.D. (2002)
-
Activities: Teaching Assistant, Advanced Criminal Procedure; Research Assistant to the Dean; Criminal Procedure Moot Court; Death Penalty Certiorari Clinic; Commencement Committee
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Florida State University
B.A. (1999) | History and Political Science dual degree (Economics minor)
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Awards
Alumni Hall of Fame
Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory
Certificate of Recognition
Boston Public Schools
10 Boys Initiative to support improved academic and life outcomes for young men of color
Volunteer of the Year
West Roxbury Main Streets
Professional Associations
Labor & Employment Relations Association
Management Co-Chair, Higher Education Industry Council
- Current
Activities: Industry Council Co-Chair (2008-2013); current basic member.
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West Roxbury Main Streets
Member and Past Board President
- Current
Activities: Volunteer of the Year (2011); Board President (2012).
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State Bar of Massachusetts  # 654280
Member
- Current
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National Association of College and University Attorneys
CLE Subcommittee Member
-
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ONEin3 Boston
Mayor's Advisory Council
-
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Boston Bar Association
Co-Chair, Traditional Labor Law Subcommittee
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Speaking Engagements
The Next Four Years: Higher Education and Labor Policies in the Biden Administration, 48th Annual Conference, New York, NY (Virtual)
National Center for the Study of Collective Bargaining in Higher Education and the Professions ; on behalf of; National Center for the Study of Collective Bargaining in Higher Education and the Professions
Moderator.
Websites & Blogs
Website
Fenway Law
Website
Loconto ADR
Contact & Map
Fenway Law LLC
PO Box 320133
WEST ROXBURY, MA
Telephone: (617) 249-4065