A Litigator’s Library
BU Law hosts a book fair with donations from the family of legendary trial attorney Paul Sugarman (’54).
A bookmark left in one of Paul Sugarman’s books.
A Litigator’s Library
BU Law hosts a book fair with donations from the family of legendary trial attorney Paul Sugarman (’54).
With over 70 years of distinguished service to the Massachusetts legal community, Paul Sugarman (’54) is remembered as a preeminent trial lawyer who dedicated his career to representing clients through some of the more difficult periods of their lives.
On February 26, 2025, Sugarman passed away at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy as a world class trial attorney, dedicated family man, generous friend, and committed mentor to generations of lawyers.
Outside of his law practice, Sugarman was an avid and accomplished fisherman, a storied world traveler, and a voracious reader whose personal library held thousands of books. His interests spanned sports, WWII, law and politics, Judaica, biographies–particularly presidential biographies–Antarctica, military and world history, fiction, art, birds, and more. After his passing, Sugarman’s family donated over 600 of these books to Boston University School of Law.
From May 7 through 19, 2026, BU Law hosted a book fair to share Sugarman’s legacy and library with the community.
A portion of the books at the book fair.
A portion of the books at the book fair.
“My dad loved his books, and he loved sharing them with people,” says Ellen Sugarman, one of Sugarman’s two daughters. “He would be so humbled by this – he loved BU Law, but even more, he loved to mentor and support young lawyers. Even though he’s no longer here, we are allowing him to continue to share a little more of himself. It was very rare to spend time with my dad and not learn something new, so by reading a book he’s provided, we’re kind of keeping that going.”
The book fair was held from May 7 through 19.
The books were offered free of charge in honor of Sugarman’s altruism and philanthropic nature. “What made Paul Sugarman particularly special is that his generosity as a mentor and friend were as grand as his accomplishments as an attorney,” says Dean Angela Onwuachi-Willig. “He wasn’t just a superb lawyer but also a superb human being.”
Over the course of the book fair, hundreds of books found new homes on the shelves of BU Law community members, with students, faculty, staff, and friends having access to everything from classic novels and legal texts to coffee table books and the latest fiction.
Student Maya Mallya (’29) and other members of the BU Law community looking through books.
“This is really amazing,” says Maya Mallya (’29), a student who took home several books from the fair. “A lot of us move to Boston from out of state and can’t bring our own books, so to come here and have the ability to pick from someone’s personal collection is so meaningful and impactful. It’s another way that Mr. Sugarman is continuing his mentorship, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity.”
After graduating from BU Law, Sugarman served for three years in the Judge Advocate General Corps of the United States Army, where he achieved the rank of Captain.
After his service, he returned to Boston and moved to private practice, co-founding the firm Fink, Sugarman, and Chapman, which would eventually become the Boston-based personal injury law firm Sugarman and Sugarman, PC.
Members of the community had access to books on history, art, politics, and more.
Throughout his career, Sugarman had many historic contributions to Massachusetts tort and personal injury law—including his instrumental role in the passage of the Massachusetts Wrongful Death Act and his cases Carey v. General Motors, Griffin v. General Motors, and DoCanto v. Ametek, which form the foundation of Massachusetts tort law.
“If a lawyer today were to go back to when I started practicing law almost 70 years ago, they would think they were on the other side of the moon,” said Sugarman in 2023. “When I graduated law school, the field of torts and reparations—at least here in Massachusetts—was stuck in the 18th century.”
A member of the community looking through the fiction section.
A book on the art of persuasion in litigation from Sugarman’s library.
Sugarman also shared his legal expertise as dean and professor of law at Suffolk University Law School from 1990 to 1994.
“My father always thought giving back was the responsibility of everyone,” says Ellen Sugarman. “It was one aspect of who he was.”
Throughout his legal career, Sugarman was dedicated to public service and the public good, serving as a member and leader of several bar associations and committees, including the Massachusetts Bar Association and the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys. He was also president of the Boston University School of Law Alumni Association from 1979 to 1980.
“Mr. Sugarman’s contributions to BU Law have left a lasting mark on our school,” says Assistant Dean of Advancement Courtney Ward. “It was especially meaningful to work with his family to bring his beloved library to our students; seeing our community browse his stacks of books is a fitting tribute and a reminder of what makes this community special. We are deeply grateful to the Sugarman family for their enduring commitment to BU School of Law.”
One of the many Red Sox tickets used for bookmarks.
Posted near the entrance to the book fair was a biography of Paul Sugarman for visitors to learn more about him and his work.
Free books were not the only treasures to be found at the fair; stuffed between the pages of many of the books were receipts, cards, notepaper from favored organizations–including Feeding America, the Smithsonian, and the Boston Public Library–special bookmarks, over 20 years of Red Sox and Bruins tickets, and other mementos from a life well-lived and well-read.
“One time, I remember him finishing a book and saying, ‘what a terrible book,’” recalls Ellen. “I asked why in the world he would finish it. He had an answer so quickly: ‘You have to stay disciplined.’ He was 91 years old at the time!”