Ann Makkiya

Attorney Makkiya is a national litigation strategist, with experience in numerous disputes and litigations including class actions, shareholder derivative, product liability, whistleblower, employment discrimination, mergers and acquisitions, public nuisance, fraud and unfair trade practices, wage and hour, and various state and federal governmental investigations.  In addition to complex litigation, Attorney Makkiya has broad experience in internal investigations, regulatory compliance, employment law, and risk management.  She uses her broad knowledge and skills to help executives and subject matter leaders translate litigation risk into go-forward operational advice.

Attorney Makkiya is highly skilled at leading transformational change and known for acuity in addressing high-pressure situations that require immediate action.  Prior to joining Byrd Campbell, she created the first legal department, and served as lead in-house counsel for one of the country’s largest manufacturers of firearms. In that role, she developed the infrastructure, controls and processes, and formalized the legal function of a billion-dollar company.

For over 20 years she worked in-house, serving as managing counsel for all litigation of a highly-regulated, global company, in a controversial industry.  She constantly adapted to new types of litigation, incorporating reputational concerns and public perceptions into legal advice.

Attorney Makkiya worked in private practice prior to moving in-house, handling litigation and dispute resolution in areas including medical malpractice, insurance, and employment defense.

Her more than 25 years as an attorney spans a career of multiple achievements:

  • Protected a billion-dollar manufacturer in a highly controversial and heavily regulated industry subject to extensive litigation and risk potential.
  • Directed class action litigation in US and Canada, relating to product liability, public nuisance, consumer fraud and unfair trade practices, shareholder, and wage and hour.
  • Successfully managed critical, complex investigations by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Department of Justice, and state attorneys general.
  • Resolved compliance issues and averted formal proceedings by federal government agency; avoided adverse impact to shareholders and public opinion.
  • Developed the protocol for and directed the recall of hundreds of thousands of products, creating a repeatable action plan to ensure products meet safety standards.
  • Developed policies and procedures, and coached HR and management on employee leaves, performance matters, and terminations.

Areas of Practice

  • Commercial Litigation
  • Mergers and Acquisitions
  • Governmental and Internal Investigations
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Employment Law
  • Product Liability
  • Risk Management

Education

  • Western New England College School of Law, J.D., 1998
  • University of Maryland, B.S., 1992

Bar Admissions

  • Massachusetts Bar
  • Connecticut Bar

Affiliations

  • American Red Cross, Former Board of Directors, Pioneer Valley Chapter
  • Massachusetts Bar Association, Member
  • Connecticut Bar Association, Member
  • Association of Corporate Counsel, Member

Distinction

  • Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, In-House Leaders in the Law, 2023

Contact Details

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