Practice Focus

Edward Notis-McConarty concentrates his practice in the areas of probate litigation, civil litigation, dispute resolution, and fiduciary work. Through his work on estate and probate matters, Ned handles matters relating to fiduciary administration and estate planning. He also represents a number of nonprofit and religious organizations, providing general counsel and litigation services.

With more than 30 years of investment management and fiduciary experience, Ned serves as a trustee to individuals and families as well as nonprofits and foundations. Ned’s fiduciary background makes him a highly effective advocate for his clients in probate litigation matters. He also serves as an expert witness on the subject of probate litigation.

Ned’s work on family disputes has often required advice and judgments in highly-charged emotional situations. He is well-known for his expertise concerning self-represented litigants, especially as pertains to the Probate and Family Court.

Ned also serves as General Counsel to Hemenway & Barnes and is a Senior Vice President at Hemenway Trust Company, a New Hampshire-based private fiduciary firm.

Representative Experience

• Serving as Chancellor to the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts for more than 30 years. In this role, Ned advises the Bishops and the parishes on a broad range of legal issues, including governance, litigation, and real estate. Ned represented the Diocese in a First Amendment case that established clear limits or court involvement in disputes involving hierarchical churches and nationally publicized litigation with departing congregations over ownership of parish property. He is actively involved in the church’s anti-violence campaign, B-PEACE for Jorge.
• Representing trust and estate fiduciaries and beneficiaries in court proceedings and contested matters, including representing the plaintiff-trustees in the Dauman v. Redstone litigation regarding control of the Sumner M. Redstone National Amusements Trust.
• Testifying as an expert witness on probate matters in state courts.
• Preparing and filing amicus briefs on behalf of prominent nonprofit and religious organizations; senior federal and state government officials; and industry and trade associations, including on behalf of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office regarding issues such as gun violence and climate change.