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Introduction
Myra is a litigator and member of Nixon Peabody’s ERISA Litigation and Complex Commercial Disputes practice groups. She represents entities and individuals in a wide range of disputed matters and is skilled in effectively resolving complex legal issues.
My focus
I represent clients in federal and state trial and appellate courts in numerous complex litigation matters, including ERISA class actions, tax disputes in state and federal courts nationwide, financial services, consumer law issues, lender liability, contracts, bankruptcy and creditor-debtor, fraud, business torts, and real estate foreclosures.
I am also experienced in advising clients and litigating complex claims brought under a variety of federal regulatory statutes, including the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Truth-in-Lending-Act (TILA), the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA).
I advise and assist clients in all phases of litigation proceedings, including negotiating settlements, drafting complaints, conducting discovery, and trial preparation. I bring this understanding and skill into all that I do to deliver high-quality client service and cost-effective representation.
Representative experience
- Successfully defended against a quiet title action involving multiple claims to real property, and which included a demand for damages of over $2 million, in federal court.
- Defended a corporate client against breach of contract and fraud claims, winning at trial on a motion to strike the evidence.
- Won a summary judgment motion in litigation involving wrongful judicial foreclosure and standing defenses.
- Obtained dismissal of a multi-count counterclaim, alleging breach of contract, fraud, civil conspiracy, and violation of multiple federal statutes.
- Advise clients on curative issues involving gaps in title, providing solutions that have saved those clients several thousands of dollars in attorney’s fees and litigation costs.
- Successfully defended against an appeal of a bankruptcy court order, granting a client relief from an automatic bankruptcy stay, which was ultimately decided in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.
- Negotiated numerous settlement agreements, which have cleared the way for clients to enforce security interests in real property.
Prior Experience
Before joining Nixon Peabody, Myra was a litigation attorney in the Washington, DC, office of an Am Law 100 law firm and law clerk for the Honorable John T. Cook in Campbell County Circuit Court.
Looking ahead
With the advent of constantly evolving technology as well as increased competition in the marketplace, we will continue to take a focused approach to promoting our clients’ interests aggressively and effectively, with a constant eye towards client satisfaction.
In the news
- Associated Press
Both sides argue for resolution of verdict dispute in New Hampshire youth center abuse case
Aug 23, 2024This article covers final requests filed by both sides to resolve David Meehan’s $38 million disputed jury verdict in the first New Hampshire Youth Development Center trial. Manchester Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Dave Vicinanzo, quoted and mentioned in the coverage for representing Meehan, discusses the injustice that would be created by either a new trial or Meehan’s acceptance of a small fraction of the jury’s intended award. The NP team representing Meehan and more than 1,400 abuse victims includes Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partners Mark Knights of Manchester and Brian French of Boston, Manchester Privacy & Technology partner Dan Deane, Manchester Complex Disputes partner Nate Warecki, Chicago Healthcare partner April Schweitzer, Complex Disputes senior counsel Sam Goldblatt of Boston and Mike Philippi of Chicago, Long Island Healthcare counsel Michal Cantor, Manchester GIWC counsel Amy Spencer, Manchester Complex Disputes associate Erin Bucksbaum, Manchester GIWC associate Allison Regan, Washington, DC Complex Disputes associate Myra Benjamin, eDiscovery and Litigation Support director Mike Swiatocha, Manchester Complex Disputes senior paralegal Sharon Willier, GIWC paralegal and victim specialist Joelle Wiggin of Manchester, and paralegal Erin MacMahon of Boston.
- InDepthNH.org
Fiscal OKs changes to YDC settlement program; Chairman suggests lie detectors
Aug 16, 2024This article covers approved changes to the YDC Settlement Fund to make it more attractive to victims and Fiscal Committee Chair Rep. Ken Weyler’s suggested use of lie detector. Manchester Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Mark Knights is quoted in the coverage, discussing how the legislature expressly directed that the Settlement Fund process be conducted in a victim-centered manner to avoid retraumatizing survivors. Mark is part of the NP team representing more than 1,400 abuse victims. The team includes Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partners Dave Vicinanzo of Manchester and Brian French of Boston, Manchester Privacy & Technology partner Dan Deane, Manchester Complex Disputes partner Nate Warecki, Chicago Healthcare partner April Schweitzer, Complex Disputes senior counsel Sam Goldblatt of Boston and Mike Philippi of Chicago, Long Island Healthcare counsel Michal Cantor, Manchester GIWC counsel Amy Spencer, Manchester Complex Disputes associate Erin Bucksbaum, Manchester GIWC associate Allison Regan, Washington, DC Complex Disputes associate Myra Benjamin, eDiscovery and Litigation Support director Mike Swiatocha, Manchester Complex Disputes senior paralegal Sharon Willier, GIWC paralegal and victim specialist Joelle Wiggin of Manchester, and paralegal Erin MacMahon of Boston.
- InDepthNH.org
Maine law firm vets YDC abuse claims and paid from same victims’ settlement fund
Aug 14, 2024This article covers the State of New Hampshire’s enlistment of a Maine law firm to vet victim claims for the YDC Settlement Funds. Manchester Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Mark Knights is quoted in the coverage, discussing the significant concern this enlistment should cause New Hampshire taxpayers and what it could mean for victims. Mark is part of the NP team representing more than 1,400 abuse victims. The team includes Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partners Dave Vicinanzo of Manchester and Brian French of Boston, Manchester Privacy & Technology partner Dan Deane, Manchester Complex Disputes partner Nate Warecki, Chicago Healthcare partner April Schweitzer, Complex Disputes senior counsel Sam Goldblatt of Boston and Mike Philippi of Chicago, Long Island Healthcare counsel Michal Cantor, Manchester GIWC counsel Amy Spencer, Manchester Complex Disputes associate Erin Bucksbaum, Manchester GIWC associate Allison Regan, Washington, DC Complex Disputes associate Myra Benjamin, eDiscovery and Litigation Support director Mike Swiatocha, Manchester Complex Disputes senior paralegal Sharon Willier, GIWC paralegal and victim specialist Joelle Wiggin of Manchester, and paralegal Erin MacMahon of Boston.
- WMUR
Judge grants new extension to figure out how to proceed in $38 million YDC abuse verdict
Aug 2, 2024This article covers an additional extension by the court to determine how to proceed in David Meehan’s $38 million YDC abuse verdict. Manchester Privacy & Technology partner Dan Deane, part of the NP team representing Meehan and more than 1,300 abuse victims, is quoted in the coverage discussing how he thinks the court can correct the verdict to reflect the jury’s actual intent, which was to award the full $38 million to Meehan. NP’s YDC team also includes Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partners Dave Vicinanzo and Mark Knights of Manchester and Brian French of Boston, Manchester Complex Disputes partner Nate Warecki, Chicago Healthcare partner April Schweitzer, Complex Disputes senior counsel Sam Goldblatt of Boston and Mike Philippi of Chicago, Long Island Healthcare counsel Michal Cantor, Manchester GIWC counsel Amy Spencer, Manchester Complex Disputes associate Erin Bucksbaum, Manchester GIWC associate Allison Regan, Washington, DC Complex Disputes associate Myra Benjamin, eDiscovery and Litigation Support director Mike Swiatocha, Manchester Complex Disputes senior paralegal Sharon Willier, GIWC paralegal and victim specialist Joelle Wiggin of Manchester, and paralegal Erin MacMahon of Boston.
- WMUR
More money needed for settlement fund to pay YDC victims, New Hampshire Senate president says
July 30, 2024This article and related broadcast segment cover the potential major shortfalls in the YDC Settlement Fund based on the hundreds of claims that remain to be addressed. Manchester Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Mark Knights joins the segment to discuss the generational and societal impacts of abuse and the potentially massive financial burden for the state. Mark is part of the NP team representing more than 1,400 abuse victims. The team includes Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partners Dave Vicinanzo of Manchester and Brian French of Boston, Manchester Privacy & Technology partner Dan Deane, Manchester Complex Disputes partner Nate Warecki, Chicago Healthcare partner April Schweitzer, Complex Disputes senior counsel Sam Goldblatt of Boston and Mike Philippi of Chicago, Long Island Healthcare counsel Michal Cantor, Manchester GIWC counsel Amy Spencer, Manchester Complex Disputes associate Erin Bucksbaum, Manchester GIWC associate Allison Regan, Washington, DC Complex Disputes associate Myra Benjamin, eDiscovery and Litigation Support director Mike Swiatocha, Manchester Complex Disputes senior paralegal Sharon Willier, GIWC paralegal and victim specialist Joelle Wiggin of Manchester, and paralegal Erin MacMahon of Boston.
- InDepthNH.org
YDC abuse settlement fund headed for ‘looming shortfall,’ victims’ attorney says
July 24, 2024This article covers YDC Fund Administrator John Broderick’s latest report. Manchester Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Mark Knights is quoted, discussing how the fund has a little less than $60 million remaining, with almost six times as much in pending claims. He notes that if the state doesn’t allocate more soon, the fund will fail despite recent progress to improve it. Mark is part of the NP team representing more than 1,400 abuse victims. The team includes Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partners Dave Vicinanzo of Manchester and Brian French of Boston, Manchester Privacy & Technology partner Dan Deane, Manchester Complex Disputes partner Nate Warecki, Chicago Healthcare partner April Schweitzer, Complex Disputes senior counsel Sam Goldblatt of Boston and Mike Philippi of Chicago, Long Island Healthcare counsel Michal Cantor, Manchester GIWC counsel Amy Spencer, Manchester Complex Disputes associate Erin Bucksbaum, Manchester GIWC associate Allison Regan, Washington, DC Complex Disputes associate Myra Benjamin, eDiscovery and Litigation Support director Mike Swiatocha, Manchester Complex Disputes senior paralegal Sharon Willier, GIWC paralegal and victim specialist Joelle Wiggin of Manchester, and paralegal Erin MacMahon of Boston.
- New Hampshire Union
Top lawmakers call pause on paying YDC victims a ‘bad look’
July 11, 2024This article covers the YDC Settlement Fund and the State of New Hampshire’s temporary pause on claims and payment processing for victims. Manchester Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Dave Vicinanzo is quoted in the coverage, discussing concerns the pause raises and how replenishing it in a timely manner is essential to the program’s success. Dave leads the NP team representing more than 1,400 abuse victims, which includes Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partners Mark Knights of Manchester and Brian French of Boston, Manchester Privacy & Technology partner Dan Deane, Manchester Complex Disputes partner Nate Warecki, Chicago Healthcare partner April Schweitzer, Complex Disputes senior counsel Sam Goldblatt of Boston and Mike Philippi of Chicago, Long Island Healthcare counsel Michal Cantor, Manchester GIWC counsel Amy Spencer, Manchester Complex Disputes associate Erin Bucksbaum, Manchester GIWC associate Allison Regan, Washington, DC Complex Disputes associate Myra Benjamin, eDiscovery and Litigation Support director Mike Swiatocha, Manchester Complex Disputes senior paralegal Sharon Willier, GIWC paralegal and victim specialist Joelle Wiggin of Manchester, and paralegal Erin MacMahon of Boston.
- InDepthNH.org
YDC abuse fund on temporary hold; revised law allows 10 years to pay victim claims
July 8, 2024This article covers the State of New Hampshire’s temporary pause on claims and payment processing for the YDC Settlement Fund. Manchester Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Mark Knights is quoted in the coverage, discussing discontent among claimants who accepted settlements but won’t get paid for several months, and how uncertainty around whether and when the state will pay the awards could drive people away from the settlement fund and back into court. Mark is part of the NP team representing more than 1,400 abuse victims, which includes Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partners Dave Vicinanzo of Manchester and Brian French of Boston, Manchester Privacy & Technology partner Dan Deane, Manchester Complex Disputes partner Nate Warecki, Chicago Healthcare partner April Schweitzer, Complex Disputes senior counsel Sam Goldblatt of Boston and Mike Philippi of Chicago, Long Island Healthcare counsel Michal Cantor, Manchester GIWC counsel Amy Spencer, Manchester Complex Disputes associate Erin Bucksbaum, Manchester GIWC associate Allison Regan, Washington, DC Complex Disputes associate Myra Benjamin, eDiscovery and Litigation Support director Mike Swiatocha, Manchester Complex Disputes senior paralegal Sharon Willier, GIWC paralegal and victim specialist Joelle Wiggin of Manchester, and paralegal Erin MacMahon of Boston.
- Associated Press
Disputed verdict draws both sides back to court in New Hampshire youth detention center abuse case
June 24, 2024The following coverage reports on Monday’s hearing related to David Meehan’s $38 million jury verdict in the first New Hampshire Youth Development Center trial, as well as the public release of long-sealed arrest warrant affidavits against several men charged with abusing children at YDC. Manchester Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Dave Vicinanzo is quoted and mentioned in the coverage for representing Meehan. The NP team representing Meehan and more than 1,400 abuse victims includes Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partners Mark Knights of Manchester and Brian French of Boston, Manchester Privacy & Technology partner Dan Deane, Manchester Complex Disputes partner Nate Warecki, Chicago Healthcare partner April Schweitzer, Complex Disputes senior counsel Sam Goldblatt of Boston and Mike Philippi of Chicago, Long Island Healthcare counsel Michal Cantor, Manchester GIWC counsel Amy Spencer, Manchester Complex Disputes associate Erin Bucksbaum, Manchester GIWC associate Allison Regan, Washington, DC Complex Disputes associate Myra Benjamin, eDiscovery and Litigation Support director Mike Swiatocha, Manchester Complex Disputes senior paralegal Sharon Willier, GIWC paralegal and victim specialist Joelle Wiggin of Manchester, and paralegal Erin MacMahon of Boston.
- New Hampshire Union Leader
Debate continues on $38 million jury award to YDC victim
June 24, 2024The following coverage reports on Monday’s hearing related to David Meehan’s $38 million jury verdict in the first New Hampshire Youth Development Center trial, as well as the public release of long-sealed arrest warrant affidavits against several men charged with abusing children at YDC. Manchester Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Dave Vicinanzo is quoted and mentioned in the coverage for representing Meehan. The NP team representing Meehan and more than 1,400 abuse victims includes Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partners Mark Knights of Manchester and Brian French of Boston, Manchester Privacy & Technology partner Dan Deane, Manchester Complex Disputes partner Nate Warecki, Chicago Healthcare partner April Schweitzer, Complex Disputes senior counsel Sam Goldblatt of Boston and Mike Philippi of Chicago, Long Island Healthcare counsel Michal Cantor, Manchester GIWC counsel Amy Spencer, Manchester Complex Disputes associate Erin Bucksbaum, Manchester GIWC associate Allison Regan, Washington, DC Complex Disputes associate Myra Benjamin, eDiscovery and Litigation Support director Mike Swiatocha, Manchester Complex Disputes senior paralegal Sharon Willier, GIWC paralegal and victim specialist Joelle Wiggin of Manchester, and paralegal Erin MacMahon of Boston.
- WMUR
Hearing held regarding recent YDC civil trial outcome
June 24, 2024The following coverage reports on Monday’s hearing related to David Meehan’s $38 million jury verdict in the first New Hampshire Youth Development Center trial, as well as the public release of long-sealed arrest warrant affidavits against several men charged with abusing children at YDC. Manchester Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Dave Vicinanzo is quoted and mentioned in the coverage for representing Meehan. The NP team representing Meehan and more than 1,400 abuse victims includes Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partners Mark Knights of Manchester and Brian French of Boston, Manchester Privacy & Technology partner Dan Deane, Manchester Complex Disputes partner Nate Warecki, Chicago Healthcare partner April Schweitzer, Complex Disputes senior counsel Sam Goldblatt of Boston and Mike Philippi of Chicago, Long Island Healthcare counsel Michal Cantor, Manchester GIWC counsel Amy Spencer, Manchester Complex Disputes associate Erin Bucksbaum, Manchester GIWC associate Allison Regan, Washington, DC Complex Disputes associate Myra Benjamin, eDiscovery and Litigation Support director Mike Swiatocha, Manchester Complex Disputes senior paralegal Sharon Willier, GIWC paralegal and victim specialist Joelle Wiggin of Manchester, and paralegal Erin MacMahon of Boston.
- InDepthNH.org
Arrest affidavits of accused YDC abusers unsealed; hearing on payout to first victim to win civil suit
June 24, 2024The following coverage reports on Monday’s hearing related to David Meehan’s $38 million jury verdict in the first New Hampshire Youth Development Center trial, as well as the public release of long-sealed arrest warrant affidavits against several men charged with abusing children at YDC. Manchester Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Dave Vicinanzo is quoted and mentioned in the coverage for representing Meehan. The NP team representing Meehan and more than 1,400 abuse victims includes Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partners Mark Knights of Manchester and Brian French of Boston, Manchester Privacy & Technology partner Dan Deane, Manchester Complex Disputes partner Nate Warecki, Chicago Healthcare partner April Schweitzer, Complex Disputes senior counsel Sam Goldblatt of Boston and Mike Philippi of Chicago, Long Island Healthcare counsel Michal Cantor, Manchester GIWC counsel Amy Spencer, Manchester Complex Disputes associate Erin Bucksbaum, Manchester GIWC associate Allison Regan, Washington, DC Complex Disputes associate Myra Benjamin, eDiscovery and Litigation Support director Mike Swiatocha, Manchester Complex Disputes senior paralegal Sharon Willier, GIWC paralegal and victim specialist Joelle Wiggin of Manchester, and paralegal Erin MacMahon of Boston.
- New Hampshire Business Review
Overview of historic $38 million jury award in landmark YDC abuse case
June 20, 2024This article recaps the news to date following the verdict in the first New Hampshire Youth Development Center trial. Manchester Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Dave Vicinanzo is quoted and mentioned in the coverage for representing plaintiff David Meehan in the trial. The NP team representing Meehan and more than 1,400 abuse victims includes Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partners Mark Knights of Manchester and Brian French of Boston, Manchester Privacy & Technology partner Dan Deane, Manchester Complex Disputes partner Nate Warecki, Chicago Healthcare partner April Schweitzer, Complex Disputes senior counsel Sam Goldblatt of Boston and Mike Philippi of Chicago, Long Island Healthcare counsel Michal Cantor, Manchester GIWC counsel Amy Spencer, Manchester Complex Disputes associate Erin Bucksbaum, Manchester GIWC associate Allison Regan, Washington, DC Complex Disputes associate Myra Benjamin, eDiscovery and Litigation Support director Mike Swiatocha, Manchester Complex Disputes senior paralegal Sharon Willier, GIWC paralegal and victim specialist Joelle Wiggin of Manchester, and paralegal Erin MacMahon of Boston.
- Law360
Ex-nurse accused of sex harassment loses bias suit
Sep 14, 2023This article covers a Virginia federal judge’s dismissal of a gender bias, national origin bias, and retaliation lawsuit against North American Partners in Anesthesia by a former nurse who was investigated for sexual harassment allegations. Washington, DC Complex Disputes counsel Brian Whittaker and associate Myra Benjamin are mentioned for representing the company in the case.
- Law 360
Verizon Workers Seek OK On $30M Deal In 401(k) Class Action
Verizon workers revealed details in a New York federal court filing for a $30 million deal to settle claims that about 160,000 current and former workers who participated in Verizon's 401(k) plan lost retirement savings through an underperforming hedge fund, seeking to end the seven-year-long case. Verizon is represented by Ian C. Taylor, Jennifer K. Squillario, Charles M. Dyke, Christopher J. Moro and Myra A. Benjamin of Nixon Peabody LLP.July 12, 2023 - Affordable Housing Finance
You've been warned: New HUD guidance on marketing and waitlist management
This article co-authored by Affordable Housing & Real Estate partners Harry Kelly and Richard Price, and Complex Disputes associate Myra Benjamin, all of the Washington, DC office, covers new federal guidance related to marketing and waitlist management for subsidized properties and what it means for housing providersJune 16, 2022 - Bloomberg Tax
Net operating losses—policies, effectiveness, and alternatives
This article contributed by New York City corporate partner Rick Cox, Washington, DC corporate associate Brian Kenney, and Washington, DC. Complex Disputes associate Myra Benjamin, explains how taxpayers can take advantage of net operating loss (NOL) deductions to offset taxable income in other tax years, and whether NOL policy is effective or if there are better alternatives.May 31, 2022
Admitted to practice
District of Columbia
Virginia
Supreme Court of Virginia
U.S. District Court, District of Columbia
U.S. District Court, District of Maryland
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia
U.S. District Court, Western District of Virginia
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Virginia
U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
Education
College of William and Mary, A.B.
Regent University, J.D.
University of Alabama School of Law, LL.M., in Taxation/Tax Law
Pro bono services
Myra provided pro bono support to Wills on Wheels and Guardianship Matters.
Insights And Happenings
View AllProfessionals in the Practice Area
View AllCharles M. Dyke
Partner / Leader, ERISA Litigation Practice- San Francisco
- Office:+1 415.984.8315
- cdyke@nixonpeabody.com
-
Alexia Willis
Associate- Long Island
- Office:+1 516.832.7584Mobile:+1 631.697.3746
- awillis@nixonpeabody.com
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