Firm News
Jan 14, 2026
Seyfarth’s Boston Office Bolstered by Additions of Jennifer Serafyn, ex-Chief of US Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Unit, and Noted M&A Lawyer Rob Giacchetti
January 14, 2026 – Seyfarth Shaw LLP has significantly boosted both its litigation and transactional capabilities in Boston with the additions of partners Jennifer Serafyn, the first and only chief of the Civil Rights Unit at the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, and Robert Giacchetti, known for his work on mergers and acquisitions.
Serafyn joins Seyfarth after more than 15 years at the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts where she served as the first and only chief of the Civil Rights Unit.
Giacchetti comes to Seyfarth’s highly-regarded Mergers & Acquisitions team from Holland & Knight where he concentrated on private equity and M&A matters.
At the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Serafyn led a talented team and conducted historic investigations, high profile federal trials, and complex enforcement actions addressing disability rights, housing, education, healthcare regulations, and employment matters, among others. The Civil Rights Unit, under Serafyn’s leadership, was routinely the most productive (cases opened and resolved) in the country.
“Jennifer Serafyn is a high-impact hire who brings an impeccable reputation throughout Massachusetts that further enhances our high standing in the Boston legal sector,” said Kristin McGurn, co-managing partner of Seyfarth’s Boston office. “She is the only former federal Civil Rights Unit Chief in private practice in Massachusetts, offering unmatched insight into DOJ priorities and enforcement strategies. Jennifer also brings a unique ability to advise high-profile individuals and executives facing sensitive legal issues. We are excited to add her to our already-deep bench of litigators here in Boston and across the country.”
Serafyn previously spent five years at Seyfarth as an associate before moving to the US Attorney’s Office in 2008. She reconnected with the firm through maintained long-standing relationships and Seyfarth’s Alumni Network.
“Jennifer’s return to Seyfarth represents our strategic investment in the continued growth of the national litigation platform,” said Giovanna (“Gina”) Ferrari, chair of Seyfarth’s Litigation department. “Her significant trial experience and leadership on complex civil rights matters, as well as a deep understanding of federal agencies bring capabilities that align with our
expanding high-stakes litigation work. Jennifer is not only an exceptional lawyer but also a collaborative, thoughtful leader whose presence will further elevate our practice.”
“The addition of Rob Giacchetti showcases the office’s commitment to continued growth in the corporate and transactional legal market, said Ariel Cudkowicz, co-managing partner of Seyfarth’s Boston office. “This focus has been a priority since the earliest days of the Boston office, and Rob’s reputation and prowess in the private equity space brings a new dimension to the Corporate team in Boston.”
Giacchetti represents private equity funds and their portfolio companies in mergers, acquisitions, sales, and leveraged buyouts. He also advises strategic companies on joint ventures, commercial contracting, and general corporate matters. His industry experience spans technology, healthcare, financial services, and education.
“Rob brings exceptional experience and a strong track record in complex M&A transactions and other corporate matters,” said Andrew Lucano, chair of Seyfarth’s Corporate department and M&A practice group. “His addition further strengthens our corporate team and enhances our ability to serve clients in key practice areas across the firm. Rob’s arrival reflects our ongoing commitment to growing our Corporate department strategically in core markets.”
Both Serafyn and Giacchetti earned their higher education degrees at institutions in the Boston Metropolitan area. Serafyn received a Master of Public Administration degree from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, a JD from Boston University School of Law, and a BA from Boston College. Giacchetti got his JD at Suffolk University Law School his BA at Boston College.
Seyfarth’s Boston office is home to more than 70 attorneys who have provided leading companies and organizations with tailored and expansive counsel for high-stakes litigation and transactional matters driven by innovative client service and technology-driven process improvements. They serve as strategic advisors for local, national, and global clients across a wide range of key industries, including health care, life sciences and pharma, retail, hospitality, transportation, financial services, and technology.
About Seyfarth Shaw LLP
With approximately 1000 lawyers across 17 offices, Seyfarth Shaw LLP provides advisory, litigation, and transactional legal services to clients worldwide. The firm has gained widespread recognition for its innovative approach to delivering legal services, combining deep industry knowledge with advanced technology and substantive excellence.