On Thursday, August 7, 2025, the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers of the Supreme Judicial Court issued a public reprimand to Attorney Thomas P. Vincent. This action followed a stipulation between the Board and Vincent, waiving the need for a hearing and recommending the reprimand due to his inadequate legal representation of a client in an appeal related to an arbitration award.
The case is entitled “Bar Counsel v. Thomas P. Vincent,” with case no. 2025-9.
Vincent faced scrutiny stemming from a case involving a dispute between his client and a roofing contractor. The client had initially filed a Consumer Request for Arbitration in July 2017, alleging that the contractor had installed a substandard roof and used inferior materials. An arbitration hearing took place on June 5, 2018, during which the client represented himself and submitted twenty exhibits. The arbitrator ruled in favor of the respondent’s client on June 21, 2018, ordering the contractor to pay damages amounting to $16,388.12.
However, the roofing contractor appealed the arbitrator’s decision on September 3, 2018, seeking a trial de novo in district court. The contractor was represented by legal counsel in this proceeding, while Vincent entered the case on September 4, 2018, filing an answer that included counterclaims under Massachusetts General Laws chapter 93A.
A bench trial was conducted on June 25, 2019, to address the appeal and the counterclaims. During this trial, the roofing contractor presented multiple witnesses and substantial evidence. In contrast, Vincent provided only two exhibits: a demand letter sent under Chapter 93A and a certified mail receipt for that letter. Notably, he failed to introduce the twenty exhibits presented during the arbitration, which included expert reports, installation instructions, and photographic evidence of the roofing deficiencies.
As a result, the district court ruled on August 22, 2019, reversing the arbitrator’s decision and denying the client’s counterclaims. The court concluded that the client had not met the burden of proof regarding damages caused by the roofing contractor. Vincent subsequently filed an appeal on behalf of his client, which ultimately proved unsuccessful, concluding in 2023.
The Board of Bar Overseers determined that Vincent’s failure to provide competent legal representation, pursue his client’s lawful objectives, and act with appropriate diligence in the matter constituted violations of Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct, specifically Rules 1.1, 1.2(a), and 1.3.
In light of these findings, the Board voted on July 14, 2025, to issue a public reprimand against Vincent. The public reprimand serves as a formal acknowledgment of his professional shortcomings in handling the case, highlighting the importance of maintaining competence and diligence in legal practice.
The Disposition states:
“Whereupon, pursuant to Supreme Judicial Court Rule 4:01, Section 8(3), and the Rules of the Board of Bar Overseers, Section 3.56, it is ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that Thomas P. Vincent be and hereby is PUBLICLY REPRIMANDED.”
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Vincent is a divorce and separation attorney in Northampton, Massachusetts. He attended Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law, graduating in 1977. He acquired his law license in Massachusetts in 1978.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
