Local Attorney Forfeits License Amid Misconduct Investigation

A prominent attorney and partner at Great Barrington based law firm McCormick, Murtagh & Marcus, has given up his license to practice amid a misconduct investigation.

Edward McCormick, who has been practicing law for over 40 years, has officially resigned from his law practice.  The Berkshire Eagle, reports this action is a "disciplinary sanction", according to the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers, stemming from allegations that he mismanaged trust funds, overcharged clients, simultaneously represented the buyer and seller in the sale of a property despite the conflict of interest and other misdeeds. McCormick has stated the retirement was his choice, and not forced upon him.

According to The Berkshire Eagle, McCormick has been a familiar face around town and at local town halls, described as someone who has been deeply involved with the community. He served as Great Barrington's deputy fire chief and town moderator, in addition to his roll as the emergency management director for Egremont, Sheffield and Alford. He held positions on the board of directors for many different Berkshire County benchmarks including Fairview Hospital, Berkshire Health Systems and Berkshire Bank, as well as a member of the Kiwanis Club and the local Chamber of Commerce

Specializing in corporate, real estate and zoning law as well as estate planning and administration, McCormick represented numerous local businesses, developers and municipalities.