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Michael J. Szklasz

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Avvo Rating8.2
  • Dalton, MA
  • Licensed for 10 years
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About Michael

I am an attorney who is concerned that service in the legal industry is almost gone.  To help bring service back, one client at a time, I am not only willing to do housecalls, I ENCOURAGE THEM!  My office does not bill for every minute that may be considered billable to keep my client's legal bills down to a more affordable level.  I am willing to make retainer payment arrangement and am very flexible.  Does this mean that I get taken advantage of by some clients?  Absolutely.  However, I did not become an attorney to become rich.  My decision was more about enjoying what I do and helping others.

Practice areas

OtherPersonal injuryLandlord or tenantCar accidentFamily
  1. Family: 30%

    Divorce, child support, child visitation, agreements, modifications, contempt actions, adoption, DCF.

  2. Car accident: 30%

    Any claim in which an automobile was involved. Extensive experience dealing with insurance companies.

  3. Landlord or tenant: 20%

    Summary process evictions, security deposit statute violations, leases, rental agreements.

  4. Personal injury: 15%

    Any general personal injury claims.

  1. Debt collection: 5%

    Debt collection, violations of debt collections practices statutes.

Languages spoken

English

Contact

28 Franklin Street
address map

28 Franklin Street
Dalton, MA, 01226

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
MAActive200908/31/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers4258
Legal guides3
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Top Contributor- Family LawAVVO2014
Top Contributor- Personal InjuryAVVO2014
Best of the BerkshiresBerkshire Eagle Newspaper2014
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
AttorneyLaw Office of Michael J. Szklasz2009 - Present
SelectmanTown of Dalton2014 - 2017
Planning Board MemberTown of Dalton2013 - 2015
Mock Trial CoachWahconah Regional High School2012 - 2013
Finance Committee MemberTown of Dalton2012 - 2015
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Berkshire Bar AssociationMember2017 - Present
Hampden County Bar AssociationMember2017 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember2006 - Present
Alpha ChiMember2001 - Present
Phi Beta KappaMember1998 - Present
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
AbicusThe Massachusetts Landlord Guide with Forms2012
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Western New England University College of LawJD - Juris Doctor2008
Massachusetts College of Liberal ArtsBA - Bachelor of Arts- Summa Cum Laude2003
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Mass AppealLegal issues on television2013
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
In the Matter of **** ********The guardianshp was vacated and custody went to the mother.
Client v McDonnoughMy Client won

Reviews

(11)
5 Star
100%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Review Michael Szklasz

Excellent

Posted by

Very fast response and very good advice. Any time I contacted him he responded within no time. Will definitely refer him.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney
Michael Szklasz's response: Thank you for the wonderful review!

Fantastic help by Michael, very comprehensive

Posted by

I have a 258E situation in the Appeals Court, and Attorney Szklasz was able to provide me with "workaround" strategy ideas on the various options i have, both at the trial court level, and at the SJC level. In his session with me he was very patient, and provided me excellent advice, as i go forward with an attorney (i couldnt hire him, he is too far out of my geographic area).
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney
Michael Szklasz's response: Thank you for the positive words. I am happy that I was able to help.

The most helpful attorney answer your legal question with passion.

Posted by

Attorney Szklassz gave me the quick responses and helpful answers. Great advice and great manner.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney
Michael Szklasz's response: Thank you for your excellent review. It was my pleasure.

Must admit, Michael is the most helpful attorney I have ever consulted!

Posted by

Michael is someone I would 100% recommend any day to my family or friends. He is very helpful, extremely knowledgable and most importantly a great person!
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney
Michael Szklasz's response: Thank you very much for the great review!

Quick response!

Posted by

Answered my question right away!
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney
Michael Szklasz's response: I find it a pleasure to help others.

The Best

Posted by

I'm a single, disabled Mom. After much research I knew I wanted This atty..However, I was disheartened to see he was hours away. Yet, when I told him this he offered to make a House Call! I'll be lucky, I believe, if he takes my case after we meet. I met him through AVVO and he impressed me very much with his responses. Then after reading every review I could find plus awards, etc..I was sold.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney
Michael Szklasz's response: Thank you for your excellent review! My office strives to make it as convenient as possible for clients. Our main objective after excellent legal representation is excellent client service!

Need help with papers when husband passed & for court stuff

Posted by

Don't know what I would do if Mike wasn't around he's the best Lawyer, if it wasn't for him I don't Know , If I would have known What paper work to do when my husband passed 2 years ago & other things he has done for us .Mike your the best .and Thank you.
Michael Szklasz's response: It was my pleasure. One of the main reasons why I decided to practice law in a solo-practice was that I wanted to bring service back into the legal industry. I am very happy that I was able to help you in your time of need.

Caring, Personable, Modern, Yet Old Fashioned Attorney

Posted by

I contacted Attorney Szklasz to seek direction regarding a family matter, (adoption). His response was very fast and his legal advice was considerate, easy to understand and concise. I also referred Attorney Szklasz to a friend for an issue with an automobile. His response to her was identical. Should I need future legal counsel, I would not hesitate to retain his services.
Michael Szklasz's response: Thank you for your wonderful review! It is always a pleasure to assist people in their time of need!

My "Go To" Guy

Posted by

My wife and I hired Michael after a couple of failed representations. Very failed. Mike stepped right up to the plate and won every case we hired him for with his hard work and dedication. I call him for every legal aspect of our lives. He is knowledgable and flexible. He is sensitive to all needs, and respects my time and my feelings. I recommend Michael to all my friends and even people I don't know who I over-hear need legal help. Michael is my go-to guy and I wouldn't want it any other way. Great family Attorney and landlord-tenant Attorney.
Michael Szklasz's response: Thank you for your glowing review and for the opportunity to serve you and your wife!

Very helpful!

Posted by

I hired Attorney Michael J. Szklasz to help me with a legal issue I was having with my landlord. Not only was he very knowledgable about the law, he helped me to understand it! He actually educated my landlord's attorney. He got me results well above what I expected.
Michael Szklasz's response: Thank you- it is a special experience for me and my office to successfully help clients. Thank you also for the opportunity to assist you.
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(35)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Kevin Seaver, Child abuse Attorney on Jul 12, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse Michael J. Szklasz as a peer and colleague

Rahul Aggarwal, Real estate Attorney on Feb 28, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services.

Gary Anderson, Mesothelioma and asbestos Attorney on Apr 10, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Michael Szklasz is a lawyer with boundless energy and great integrity. He is always well prepared and very knowledgeable about car accidents matters.

Kevin McKie, Mesothelioma and asbestos Attorney on Apr 6, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Michael J. Szklasz is a great lawyer with excellent judgment and legal ability. He is a well-respected attorney in the legal community. I wholeheartedly endorse him.

Channika Desilva, Mesothelioma and asbestos Attorney on Mar 26, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mr. Szklasz is a highly skilled, diligent and knowledgeable attorney who is well-known in the legal community for his outstanding professionalism. He was able to obtain satisfactory results even for clients whose cases were incredibly difficult by dedicating his time and effort to achieve the best results. I certainly endorse this lawyer and have no doubt he will be of great help to anyone seeking legal advice or representation within his main areas of practice.

David Owens, Landlord or tenant Attorney on Jan 25, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Michael always takes the time to provide detailed and excellent answers to actually address the questions that clients post.

Robert Waickowski, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 15, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. I have read Attorney Szklasz answers to Massachuseetts questions asked in the Avvo website and have found his responses to be thoughtful and accurate as to the law.

Christine DeBernardis, Divorce and separation Attorney on Sep 11, 2016
Relationship: Other

Attorney Szklasz provides insightful answers and helpful responses to the readers here at Avvo. I can see from his responses that he is very educated in his field and that he provides practical advice to a potential client. I endorse Attorney Szklasz in the family law, divorce, child support fields of law.

David Silva, Real estate Attorney on Jun 15, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Mark Clay, Immigration Attorney on Aug 19, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I highly endorse Mr. Szklasz. Truly exceptional and caring attorney who achieves great results in representing clients! I really want all people to contact him for help.

Jill Rogers, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 27, 2015
Relationship: Other

I endorse this lawyer.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 29, 2014
Relationship: Other

I endorse this lawyer.

Lilian Demonteverde-Hoats, Family Attorney on Sep 17, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Simon Kabzan, Divorce and separation Attorney on Sep 11, 2014
Relationship: Other

I endorse this individual as a highly respected and knowledgable lawyer in their practice.

Richard Geller, Divorce and separation Attorney on Sep 10, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse Michael. Highly respected in the legal community. Strong reputation for client advocacy and dedication.

Brian Finnerty, Personal injury Attorney on Sep 8, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Szklasz is highly regarded by his colleagues and is a top-notch personal injury lawyer.

Wilfredo Trivino-Perez, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 24, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

James Shields, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Aug 20, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer with no reservation. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community. Very hardworking and diligent. Consistently achieves superior results. Advice is always practical and on point. I recommend to anyone looking for an attorney who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of clients and achieving the most favorable result possible.I endorse this lawyer.

Saam Ghiaasiaan, Personal injury Attorney on Jul 21, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. An incredible advocate respected by peers and clients alike.

Joshua Alexander, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 17, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. He is very well respected in the legal community.

Cost

RATES
  • Hourly Rates$195-$250/hour
    RATES
    • Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.25%-33%
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card

    Legal guides written by Michael Szklasz