Significant Verdicts and Appeals:
•$3.4 million verdict in Trimble v. Bolduc, a fiduciary duty case against trustee and related entities
•$2.8 million verdict in Whittemore v. Hersey, a fiduciary duty case against trustee and attorney-in-fact
•$6 million verdict in Loconti v. Loconti (in concert with counsel representing another claimant) to compel settlor's contractual obligation to fund trust for benefit of claimants
•Successfully defended fiduciary duty claims against Trustee relative to management and sale of manufactured housing park in Tay v. Grondin
•Successfully challenged will and trust due to incapacity and undue influence in In re Estate of Frederick W. Whittemore (affirmed on appeal)
•Successfully obtained contested trust reformation against plain meaning in Preuninger v. Youschak
•Successfully defended fiduciary duty claims against attorney-in-fact inTherrien v. Therrien
•Successfully defended trustee removal action in In re Trust of Gordon F. York
•Successfully defended challenge to will on capacity and undue influence grounds in Betjemann v. Betjemann
•Successfully defended challenge to trust on lack of consent and other grounds Belisle v. Belisle
•Successfully enforced pre-nuptial agreement in In re Hollett Estate, reversed on appeal, 150 N.H. 39, 834 A.2d 348 (2003)
•Successfully defended spendthrift trust on appeal in Scheffel v. Krueger, 146 N.H. 669, 782 A.2d 410 (2001)
A trial lawyer with more than 30 years experience, Ralph has handled nearly all aspects of civil litigation in state and federal courts. Ralph's expertise is in complex, challenging litigation and has developed one of the region’s leading probate litigation practices while continuing to handle many substantial other types of cases for individuals and businesses. Reflecting their confidence in his abilities, lawyers within and outside the firm entrust their clients to Ralph when they need aggressive, responsive litigation representation. Mindful of the costs of litigation, Ralph delivers aggressive representation efficiently and strategically with careful attention to planning and budgeting.
Ralph received his J.D. from Boston College (1984) and a B.A. from Lafayette College (1980).
Recognition
•fellow of the American College of Trust & Estate Counsel (ACTEC).
•fellow, New Hampshire Bar Foundation
•Best Lawyers in America 2020 (Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Trusts and Estates, Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
•2020 Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers in America (Litigation - Trusts & Estates)
•New England Super Lawyers
Articles & Presentations
•Navigating In Terrorem Clauses: Guidance from Hallett v. Hallett
•Know the Law: Exploitation of Elderly Can Begin with Modest Gifts
•The Morass of Bourassa: Finding A Way Out
•Fiduciary Powers vs. Duties and Pretermitted Heirs
•Probate Litigation: Trusts: What is Material Purpose?
•Will And Trust Contests: The Attorney-Client Privilege
•Probate Litigation Quiz: Statute of Limitations For Breach of Trust Claims
•Power of Attorney Accountability Thwarts 'License to Steal'
•The Anna Nicole Smith Decision and Estate Litigation
•Probate Litigation: Ten Lessons For Estate Planners
