Overview

Larry is a founding partner of Cetrulo LLP and Chair of the firm’s Toxic Tort Practice Group.

Larry has more than 40 years of experience in toxic tort litigation, environmental litigation, auto design defect litigation, products liability, professional malpractice litigation, general liability, insurance coverage, and business litigation. He serves as coordinating counsel for all toxic tort and product liability litigations for several of America’s largest corporations.

Larry’s trial experience includes over 150 trials and dozens of arguments before various State and Federal Appellate Courts.

Education
  • J.D., Northeastern University School of Law, 1975
  • Ed.M., Harvard University, Graduate School of Education, 1972
  • B.A., with Honors in American Government, Harvard College, 1971
Admissions
Clerkships
  • Law Clerk to The Honorable Andrew A. Caffrey, Chief Judge, United States District Court, District of Massachusetts, 1975-1976.
Memberships
  • American Bar Association
  • Boston Bar Association
  • Massachusetts Bar Foundation
  • Defense Research Institute
  • International Association of Defense Counsel
  • Massachusetts Association of Defense Attorneys
  • Federal Bar Association
  • Rhode Island Bar Association
  • New York Bar Association
  • Member, Trial Law Institute
  • National Institute of Trial Attorneys
  • Member, United States Magistrate Search Committee, United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, November 1989, October 2004
  • Member (by appointment of Governor Weld), Judicial Nominating Commission, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 1991-1995
  • Member, Judicial Administration Section Council Committee, Massachusetts Bar Association, 1987-1990
  • Member, Recall of Superior Court Judges Committee, Massachusetts Bar Association, 1988-1991
  • Member, Suffolk County Bench/Bar Committee, Massachusetts Bar Association, 1986-1989
  • Member, Personal Injury Litigation Curriculum Advisory Committee, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc., 1986-1989
  • Hearing Officer, Board of Bar Overseers, 2016-2018 Term
  • Member, Diversity Law Institute
  • Barrister, Order of Centurions
Community Involvement
  • Board Member, Harvard Varsity Club
  • Corporator, Northeastern University
  • Donor, Cetrulo Family Fencing Room, Newark Academy, Livingston, New Jersey, 2002
  • Endowed Fencing Program, Harvard College, 2001
  • Endowed Cetrulo Family Scholarship, Northeastern University Law School, given annually to deserving graduates of Harvard College
  • Board of Trustees, Newark Academy, Livingston, New Jersey (founded in 1774, Newark Academy is the United States 7th oldest college preparatory school)
  • Chairman, Friends of Harvard Fencing, Cambridge, MA
  • Campaign Committee, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
  • Board of Advisors, New England Center for Children, Southborough, MA
  • Corporator, The Cambridge Homes, Cambridge, MA
Experience

Authorships

The following is a sampling of Mr. Cetrulo’s extensive teaching and writing in the law.

  • Lawrence G. Cetrulo, Toxic Torts Litigation Guide, 4 vols., (Thomson/West Group Publishing, 2002).
    • Glyphosate: A Special Study. Toxic Torts Litigation Guide (2015).
    • Hydraulic Fracturing / Hydrofracking / Fracking: A Special Study, Toxic Torts Litigation Guide (2012).
    • Component Parts Liability: A Special Study, Toxic Torts Litigation Guide (2011).
    • Chinese Drywall Litigation: A Special Study, Toxic Torts Litigation Guide (2010).
    • Climate Change Litigation: A Special Study, Toxic Torts Litigation Guide (2010).
    • Premises Liability: A Special Study, Toxic Torts Litigation Guide (2010).
    • Bisphenol A (BPA) & BPA Litigation: A Special Study, Toxic Torts Litigation Guide (2009).
    • Daubert Case Surveys: A Special Study, Toxic Torts Litigation Guide (2008).
    • Nanotechnology: A Special Study, Toxic Torts Litigation Guide (2007).
    • Benzene Litigation: A Special Study, Toxic Torts Litigation Guide (2006).
    • Survey of Pharmaceutical Litigation: A Special Study, Toxic Torts Litigation Guide (2005).
    • Asbestos Litigation & Tort Reform: A Special Study, Toxic Torts Litigation Guide (2005).
    • Welding Rod Litigation: A Special Study, Toxic Torts Litigation Guide (2004).
    • Silica Litigation: A Special Study, Toxic Torts Litigation Guide (2003).
    • MASS Litigation Corollary Matters: A Special Study, Toxic Torts Litigation Guide (2002).
    • MTBE Litigation Matters: A Special Study, Toxic Torts Litigation Guide (2002).
    • Beryllium Litigation: A Special Study, Toxic Torts Litigation Guide (2001).
    • Toxic Mold Litigation: A Special Study, Toxic Torts Litigation Guide (2000).
    • MCS Litigation: A Special Study, Toxic Torts Litigation Guide (1999).
    • Fen-Phen Litigation: A Special Study, Toxic Torts Litigation Guide (1998).
    • Latex Litigation: A Special Study, Toxic Torts Litigation Guide (1997).
  • Lawrence G. Cetrulo, Toxic Torts: A Complete Personal Injury Guide, 2 vols., (Clark Boardman Callahan Publishing Co., 1994).
    • Beryllium Litigation: A Special Study, Toxic Torts: A Complete Personal Injury Guide (November 2001).
    • Lead and Lead Poisoning Litigation: A Special Study, Toxic Torts: A Complete Personal Injury Guide (November 2000).
    • Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Litigation: A Special Study, Toxic Torts: A Complete Personal Injury Guide (November 1999).
    • Fen-Phen Litigation: A Special Study, Toxic Torts: A Complete Personal Injury Guide (November 1998).
    • Latex Glove Litigation: A Special Study, Toxic Torts: A Complete Personal Injury Guide (November 1997).
    • Tobacco Litigation: A Special Study, Toxic Torts: A Complete Personal Injury Guide (November 1996).
    • Electromagnetic Field Litigation: A Special Study, Toxic Torts: A Complete Personal Injury Guide (November 1995).
    • Lead Paint Litigation: A Special Study, Toxic Torts: A Complete Personal Injury Guide (November 1994).

Mr. Cetrulo has also published chapters and articles as follows:

  • The Pillars of IH Testimony: A Four-Part Foundation for Credible Expert Witnesses, The Synergist Magazine, August, 2012.
  • Practical Considerations in Representing an Insured Following Boston Gas Co. v. Century Indemnity Co., Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (July 30, 2012).
  • The Debate Continues: More Courts Weigh in on Component Parts Liability, American Bar Association, Toxic Torts & Environmental Law Committee Newsletter, Summer 2012.
  • Environmental Negligence, ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITY AND INSURANCE RECOVERY, CH. 6, American Bar Association, (2012).
  • Environmental Trespass, ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITY AND INSURANCE RECOVERY, CH. 7, American Bar Association, (2012).
  • Past Is Prologue: Still No Service for Cell Phone Radiation Litigation, For The Defense Magazine, December, 2011.For The Defense Magazine, “Federal MDL Centralization: The Mystique of the Process & Why It Matters” (March 2011).
  • American Bar Association, Environmental Liability and Insurance Recovery, Chapter 6“Environmental Negligence” and Chapter 7: “Environmental Trespass” (forthcoming).
  • For The Defense Magazine, “Federal MDL Centralization: The Mystique of the Process & Why It Matters” (March 2011).
  • American Bar Association, Toxic Torts & Environmental Law Committee Newsletter, “A ‘Duty’ Too Far? Courts Tackle ‘Component Parts Liability’” (Fall/Winter 2010-2011).
  • Defense Research Institute Newsletter, “Getting It Right From The Start: Managing BPA Litigation Sensibly, Drawing Lessons From Other Toxic Torts” (February 2, 2010).
  • Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc., Chapter 93A Rights and Remedies, Chapter 9: “ Trial of a Chapter 93A Action: Overview of Common Issues” (Hon. Margot Botsford ed., Supp. 1999, 2002, 2005, 2010).
  • Lawrence G. Cetrulo, Trial of a Chapter 93A Action: Overview of Common Issues, in Chapter 93A Rights and Remedies, Chapter 9 (Hon. Margot Botsford ed., Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc., Supp. 2010, 2005, 2002, 1999).
  • “Epidemiological Evidence For Radiation-Induced Mesothelioma,” published by HarrisMartin in Columns Asbestos (November 2001).
  • “A Review of Governmental Entities Suing Industry,” published by the Defense Research Institute in Industrywide Liability News (Summer 2001 Edition).
  • Stein on Personal Injury Damages, Chapter 22: “Defending Bodily and Psychological Injury Damage Claims,” (3d ed., West Group 1997).
  • Thomson Legal Publishing, “Post-Castano Tobacco Litigation,” published in Products Liability Advisory newsletter (September 1996).
  • “Product Liability and Technology Transfer: Increased Profit May Mean Increased Risks to Licensors,” in Products Liability Advisory (March 1996).
  • “The Admissibility of Scientific Evidence After Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc.” published in Products Liability Advisory newsletter (October 1994).
  • “Electromagnetic Field Litigation–An Emerging Area” published in Products Liability Advisory newsletter (January 1994).
  • Leader Publications, Indoor Pollution publication article on Lead Abatement Issues (Spring 1992).
  • Matthew Bender Publishing Company, Guide to Toxic Torts, “Defense Of An Asbestos Case,” (May 1991).
  • Matthew Bender Publishing Company, Guide to Toxic Torts, “Defense of a Lead Poisoning Case,” (December 1991).
  • Lawrence G. Cetrulo, The Medical Chart, in Assessment & Care Of The Fetus, Physiological, Clinical, and Medicolegal Principles (Prentice Hall, 1990).
  • Lawrence G. Cetrulo, Medicolegal Consideration, in New Jersey Medical School, Textbook of Operative Obstetrics, Chapter 38 (2nd Ed., University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey, May 1990).
  • Industry Magazine, Published Article: “Industrial Safety And The Role Of The Industrial Safety Officer And Outside Legal Counsel”, (July 1989).
  • Lawrence G. Cetrulo, Medicolegal Dystocia, in American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Clinical Obstetrics & Gynecology, (Harper & Row, Vol. 30, No. 1, March 1987).
  • University of Michigan Medical School, published article entitled, “Clinical Obstetrics & Gynecology,” (May 1985).

Presentations, Classes & Seminars Taught

Mr. Cetrulo has lectured and authored course outlines for many different groups on a variety of topics, including the following:

  • Andrews Publications, Asbestos Seminar (San Francisco, CA, September 1991); Asbestos Litigation Conference (New Orleans, April 2009).
  • Asbestos Issues, “Low-Level Asbestos Exposure” (December 1988, March 1991); “The Organization and Coordination of the Defense in an Industry-Wide Toxic Tort Litigation: The Trial Lawyer’s Perspective” (March 1989); “The Evolving Debate On In Place Risk” (March 1991); “International Asbestos Management and Technology Expo and Conference,” (New York, April 1991).
  • Association of University Technology Managers, Inc., “Product Liability in Tech Transfer: Fears, Facts & Negotiation Strategies” (Charleston, SC, February 1996).
  • Astra Pharmaceuticals, on “Various Topics in OB/GYN Medical Malpractice” (Framingham, MA, October 1984).
  • Boston Bar Association, Speakers Bureau, Speaking Engagement at Brookline High School (Brookline, MA, October 1987); Toxic Tort Seminar (Boston, MA, June 1988); BBA Panel Discussion on Law Firm Economics (Boston, MA, April 1989); “Reinsurance Contracts and M.G.L. c. 93A” (Boston, MA, December 2000).
  • Boston Rotary Club, on “The Liability Insurance Crisis” (Boston, MA, January 1987).
  • Boston University School of Law, Trial Advocacy Institute (Boston, MA, August 1986).
  • Combustion Engineering, Inc., on “Defending Asbestos Claims” (Stamford, CT, July 1987).
  • Comprehensive General Liability Reporter Seminar Series, on “Guidelines for Analyzing an Occurrence” (Boston, MA, June 1984).
  • Contemporary Forums, on “Medicolegal Dilemmas in Obstetrics and Gynecology” (San Diego, CA, March 1984; Miami, FL, January 1985; New York City, September 1985); “Failures in Obstetrical and Neonatal Care” (November 1984); “Medicolegal Controversies”, (Park City, UT, March 1987).
  • Consolidated Trials Lecture Series, on “Class Action and Consolidation in Industry Wide Litigation and Mass Toxic Tort/Environmental Litigation” (Yale Law School, Northeastern University School of Law, April 1991).
  • Defense Research Institute on “Conflicts of Interest in Insurance Defense” (Boston, MA, April 1982); “Defense of Asbestos Litigation” (Palm Beach, FL, May 1982); “Defense Handling of Damages” (New York City, November 1982); “The Fiber Length Controversy/The Fiber Type Defense” (Cincinnati, OH, September 1984); “Medical Issues in Defense of Asbestos Litigation” (San Francisco, CA, October 1985); “Asbestos Medicine” (Boston, MA, November 1986); “Workmen’s Compensation Academy… Medicine & Law for the Defense” (Boston, MA, June 1987); “Asbestos Medicine Seminar” (Reno, NV, October 1987); “Asbestos Property Damage” (Boston, MA, June 1988); “Asbestos Medicine Seminar” (Miami, FL, October 1988; San Diego, CA, October 1989; New Orleans, LA, October 1990); “Asbestos Medicine Seminar” (Scottsdale, AZ, October 1991); “Asbestos Medicine Seminar” (San Francisco, CA, November 1993); “Cross-Examination of Economic Experts” and “Final Argument on Damage Issues” (New York, NY, March 1994). “Asbestos Personal Injury Litigation Seminar,” Round Table Discussion of Veteran Asbestos Attorneys (Houston, TX, November 1996); “Silica Medicine – The Gold Standard of Toxic Agent Seminars” (Dallas, TX, June 15-16, 2006); “Asbestos Medicine Seminar – The Art of Cross-Examination-Organization and Execution of Effective Cross-Examination of Plaintiff’s Medical Experts on Causation and Diagnosis” (Las Vegas, NV, October 26-27, 2006); “Preeminent Lawyers-Superstars of Trial” (Chicago, IL, September 27-29, 2007); “Asbestos Medicine” (Las Vegas, NV, November 2008).
  • Federal Publications, Inc., on “Litigating Asbestos Claims: The Manufacturer’s Case” (Las Vegas, NV, February 1983; Washington, D.C., March 1983; San Francisco, CA, November 1983; Washington, D.C., November 1983; Washington, D.C., May 1984; Monterey, CA, June 1984; Palm Desert, AZ, March 1985; Arlington, VA, April 1985; Washington, D.C., October 1985; San Francisco, CA, December 1985).
  • Flaschner Judicial Institute, “Chapter 93A Judicial Education Program,” (Boston, MA, May 1990; November 1990).
  • Harvard School of Public Health, on “Health Effects of Asbestos – Perspective of the Defense Lawyer” (Boston, MA, July 1987).
  • HB Litigation (Mealey’s), Emerging Trends in Asbestos Litigation (Los Angeles, CA, March 2009); Judicial Forum on Asbestos (New York, NY, June 2009).
  • Insurance Information Institute, Presentation before Massachusetts Legislative Hearing (Boston, MA, April 1987).
  • International Association of Defense Counsel, “How to Defend Against Claims for Hedonic Damages” (Colorado Springs, CO, July 1994); “Due Process Be Damned” (San Francisco, CA, July 1995); Defense Counsel Trial Academy (Boulder, CO, July 1996); “Goals and Techniques of Cross-Examination,” article for Defense Counsel Trial Academy (Boulder, CO, July 1996).
  • Law Journal Seminars-Press, Asbestos Property Damage Product Liability Seminar, (New York, NY, April 1989); Asbestos Property Damage/Product Liability Seminar, (New York, NY, April 1990); Asbestos in Buildings Property Damage Seminar, (New York, NY, April 1991).
  • Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys, on “Consumer Products Liability” (Boston, MA, January 1987).
  • Massachusetts Bar Association, on “Medical Causation In Asbestos Litigation”(Cambridge, MA, April 1983); “The Smoking Defense In Asbestos Litigation” (Chatham, MA, May 1983); “Proving Causation by Using Statistics in Products Liability and Toxic Tort Cases” (Boston, MA, October 1983); “Anatomy of Drug Liability and Products Liability Cases” (Boston, MA, April 1986); MBA Mid-Winter Conference (Boston, MA, January 1988).
  • Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc., on “Defense of Pulmonary Disease Cases” (Boston, MA, October 1981); “Trial of a Toxic Tort Case” (Hyannis, MA, October 1984); “Sophisticated Products Liability Litigation” (Boston, MA, March 1986); “Third Party Liability for Injuries in the Workplace” (Boston, MA, March 1987); Presentation before MCLE Trial Advocacy Institute (Brockton, MA, July 1987); Insurance Litigation Seminar (Boston, MA, December 1987); “Preparing and Trying a Chapter 93A Case” (Boston, MA, March 1988); Authored, “Trial Of A Chapter 93A Action: An Overview Of Common Issues” (August 1989); “Preparing and Trying a Chapter 93A Case” (Boston, MA, November, December 1989); MCLE General Practice Form Book (October 1989); Chair, “Hazardous Waste Litigation” (Boston, MA, November 1989); Trial Advocacy Institute (Beverly, MA, July 1990); Chair, “Environmental Litigation” (Boston, MA, February 1991); “Second Annual Trial Advocacy Conference” (Boston, MA, April 1991); “Toxic Tort Seminar” (Boston, MA, November 1991); “MCLE Hot Tips Seminar,” (Boston, MA, February 1992); “MCLE Seminar on Litigation Management,” (Boston, MA, July 1992); “Trial Advocacy Institute 1992,” (Cambridge, MA, August 1992); “Deposing Experts,” (Boston, MA, September 1993); “Multiparty Practice Seminar,” (Boston, MA, March 1996).
  • Massachusetts Defense Lawyers Association, on “Settlements in Multi-Party Cases” (Boston, MA, June 1982); “Environmental and Toxic Tort Litigation,” (Boston, MA, December 1995).
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Annual Management in Engineering Program, on “Products Liability: Tougher Ground Rules” (Cambridge, MA, December 1984 December 1992).
  • Medical Clinics of North America, published article entitled, “The Legal Liability of the Medical Consultant in Pregnancy”, Medical Problems in Pregnancy, (September 1988).
  • Mealey’s Medical Screening Teleconference, “Investigations into Fraudulent Asbestos and Silica Claims” (Boston, MA, July 2006).
  • Mealey’s National Asbestos Conference, “Wading Through the Sea of Asbestos Claims – Is This The Last Wave?” (Boston, MA, September 2006).
  • Mealey’s National Lead Litigation Conference, “The Impact of the Rhode Island Verdict” Co-Chair (Boston, MA, June 2006).
  • Mealey’s National Lead Litigation Conference, (Boston, MA, October 2003).
  • Mealey’s National Lead Litigation Conference, “Suing the Lead Industry” (Amelia Island, FL, March 2001).
  • Mealey’s National Lead Litigation Teleconference, “The Impact of the Rhode Island Verdict” (Boston, MA, March 2006).
  • National Institute of Trial Attorneys, Trial Training Seminar, SMU Law School (June 1991); 1992 Northeast Regional Program, Hofstra Law School (August 1992); Teacher Training Program, Harvard Law School (March 1996).
  • National Perinatal Association, “Perinatal Litigation: Controlling Your Risks,” (Boston, MA, November 1991).
  • New England Business Conference, on “The Liability Crisis” (Boston, MA, April 1986).
  • New Jersey OB/GYN Society, “Medicolegal Controversies in Obstetrics & Perinatal Medicine” (Somerset, NJ, November 1987).
  • Northeast Regional Moot Court, Moot Court Competition (Boston, MA, November 1987); Moot Court Judging Suffolk University Law School, Harvard Law School, Northeastern University School of Law.
  • Northeastern University School of Law“The Best Associate You Can Be & Other Worthy Goals,” (Boston, MA, October 2009).
  • Practicing Law Institute, “Toxic Tort Seminar,” (New York, NY, March 1990; San Francisco, CA, March 1990); “Preparing A Toxic Tort Case For Trial,” (New York, NY, March 1991; San Francisco, CA, March 1991); “3rd Annual Litigation Management Supercourse,” (New York, NY, March 1992; San Francisco, CA, April 1992); “Essentials for 1992 Strategies, Experts, Motions and ADR,” (New York, NY, October 1992).
  • Price Waterhouse, General Counsel Forum, “Mass Tort Litigation: Management Strategies,” (Boston, MA, June 1993).
  • Tufts New England Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, on “Various Topics in Medical Malpractice” (Boston, MA, May 1983); and at Grand Rounds, St. Margaret’s Hospital for Women (Boston, MA, June 1984); “Medicolegal Controversies in Obstetrics & Gynecology” (Cancun, Mexico, March 1988); “Anatomy of a Lawsuit,” Grand Rounds, St. Margaret’s Hospital for Women (Boston, MA, February 1990); “Tufts University Career Enrichment Program,” (Boston, MA, July 1990).
  • Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, The Laws of Occupational Safety and Health (2010, 2011).
  • Vermont Law School, guest lecturer, Toxic Tort Litigation, (July 1990).
  • WBZ TV, Channel  4, “People Are Talking,” Guest on Panel Discussion on Legal Malpractice, (Boston, MA, May 1989).
  • WGBH-TV, Channel 2, “Greater Boston,” (Boston, MA, October 2010).

 

News + Views
View All News
Honors
  • Best Lawyers in America, 2005-2018
  • 2012 Friend of The Year Award of the Harvard Radcliffe Friends of Women’s Athletics
  • Faculty/Adjunct Professor, Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine
  • Recipient, National Football Foundation Hall of Fame, Scholar-Athlete Award, New Jersey Chapter, 1967
  • Member, Reunion Committees, Harvard College Class of 1971 25th, 30th, 35th and 40th Reunions
  • All-American Fencing Team, 1969, 1970, 1971
  • Class Officer, Harvard College, Class of 1971
  • Member, Newark Academy Athletic Hall of Fame, 1992
  • Trial Academy Faculty International Association of Defense counsel, Boulder, CO, 1996
  • Member, Harvard College Athletic Hall of Fame, 1996
  • Ashland, Inc., “Go To Counsel”, Fortune Magazine, May 2008-2014
  • Massachusetts Super Lawyers, New England Super Lawyers Magazine and Boston Magazine, 2004-2018
  • Senior Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America