Lissa McKinney

PRO

Lissa McKinney

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 41 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Acton, MA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence, Speeding & Traffic Ticket, Personal Injury

100 Powdermill Rd., Suite 244, Acton, MA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Lissa

Biography

Finding the "best" lawyer is very different than finding the best lawyer For You. Court cases take time.Choose a lawyer you like and trust: someone you want to work with, and someone that gives you confidence and comfort. Choose a lawyer who will fight your case by choosing strong and strategic now.

Experience Matter. Criminal defense attorney 41 years providing clear direction when you need it most! When you need the right lawyer for you, go with strong, strategic,and resourceful.

Take my trial skills to Court,and leave your fear at home. Restraining and Harrassment Order hearings are emotional mini-trials about safety, child custody, housing, criminal and probate proceedings. Plaintiff or Defendant, protect Your rights and interests with an attorney looking out for You.

If you need your license, then you need a Lawyer at a traffic ticket hearing~even if you don't know it yet. Speeding and motor vehicle tickets implicate SDIP insurance points, driver license suspensions, liability in auto accidents etc. A surcharge may stay for 6 years on your premium.

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 70%

Criminal defense for all cases e.g. assault & battery,domestic violence, traffic /motor vehicle offenses,RMV license suspensions, larceny, shoplifting, fake ID's,drug and sex crimes. Especially effective at all Clerk Magistrate & show cause hearings.

42 years | 2,000 cases

70%
Domestic Violence 15%

An effective lawyer is critical for Restraining /Harrassment Order hearings to prevent loss of access to home/ children, and criminal consequences for violations; excellent knowledge of probate/custody/DSS and overlapping criminal defense issues.

26 years | 400 cases

15%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket 10%

Tickets impact license suspensions, insurance costs, accident liability & work at Uber/Lyft etc. Clerk's hearings are the 1st screening step where an excellent advocate speaking for you can make a real difference. (overlaps criminal defense).

42 years | 300 cases

10%
Personal Injury 5%

Representing Plaintiff's injured by motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall on property, sex abuse, animal bites, or injuries related to the overserving of alcohol.

26 years | 40 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 25 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2024 2020
...
+ 2
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2024 2019 2018

Licenses

Licensed in Massachusetts for 41 years

State: Massachusetts

Acquired: 1985

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Florida for 39 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1987

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Lissa McKinney Law

100 Powdermill Rd., Suite 244, Acton, MA, 01720-5932

lissamckinney.com/

Lissa McKinney Law

(by appointment only), 30 Eastbrook Road,Suite 201, Dedham, MA, 02026

lissamckinney.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Lissa online.

Lissa McKinney's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

83 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 18 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by anonymous | July 09, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

A Credit to her Profession

I have been represented and helped by Lissa McKinney since 2003, and whole-heartedly recommend her as an attorney. It’s rare to find someone who is both so professionally competent and so personally accessible. Lissa was recommended to me (profusely) by my sister and her husband, both of whom were c...areer public defenders in Boston. My brother-in-law does not gush about anything, but he literally found himself at a loss for words to describe Lissa’s tenacity on behalf of her clients. The first thing I came to know about Lissa was her integrity. The first time we met and discussed my case at length Lissa told me that she was not the best lawyer for my case, but knew who was. Despite my sister and brother-in-law insisting that I stay with Lissa anyway, I took Lissa’s advice, went to the lawyer she suggested, and Won my Case! Lissa always puts her client’s interest first, which is why I trust her advice and guidance. Over the years my 2nd wife and I have gone to Lissa many times over for representation, guidance, and advice. She has stepped into cases on short notice and turned them around. She immediately grasps what needs to be done and quickly thereafter both constructs and articulates a plan for success. My brother-in-law was right: It’s not easy to put into words Lissa McKinney’s value as an attorney. She either already possesses or will quickly acquire an encyclopedic knowledge of the legal issues relevant to your case. She will tirelessly prepare to represent you. She will make herself available to you at Any and Every possible moment. And she will always talk to you not like a lawyer, but more like a determined friend who will absolutely stand by you through thick and thin. Lissa McKinney single-handedly makes every “lawyer joke” I’ve ever heard seem incredibly unfair.

Posted by John | March 02, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Strongly Reccomend

In a district court criminal motor vehicle case, Lissa knew the court procedures, and was adept at navigating them - all while keeping me in the loop. She put me at ease going through this troubling time in my life, and I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't found her. It's comforting to ha...ve someone on your side who cares.

Posted by anonymous | December 23, 2019

She’s the Best

Lissa set my mind at ease ..she explained what to expect and what not to expect with my case ..I highly recommend her and I will 100% use her if ever needed in the future ..God Bless you Mrs McKinney

Posted by anonymous | August 29, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Outstanding

We used Attorney Mckinney’s services for a clerk’s hearing in a District Court relating to a criminal application for traffic matters involving one of our sons. Attorney Mckinney was simply exceptional in every aspect. When we first called her, she answered the phone and spoke to us in length. She ...was always available and never rushed. Every time we called her, emailed her, or even texted her, including on weekends, she took the time to address our concerns and reassure us. Attorney McKinney spoke to our son like a parent. Professionally speaking, she was incredibly well prepared. She looked at the case from every possible angle. Every time, a new twist came up (and some were last minute issues), she stepped in and handled the situation thoughtfully and with reassuring poise. Her knowledge was best displayed at the hearing. Her attitude during the hearing was impressive. She was calm, convincing, and decisive. Her fees were extremely modest in comparison to the time and attention to details she put. Attorney McKinney still took time after the positive outcome to check on us and make sure our stress is relieved! We are extremely lucky we had attorney McKinney. We wish all professionals lived up to attorney McKinney’s standards!

Posted by anonymous | March 25, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence

Not Guilty on domestic A&B – outstanding lawyer!

My wife accused me of false domestic assault & battery charges. As someone who was not familiar with the legal system, I called Attorney Lissa McKinney after reading online reviews. While other lawyers only discussed my case briefly, she listened to me very carefully, believed and trusted me. She exp...lained the law, the legal process and next steps clearly. After I hired Lissa, she prevented a restraining order against me at my arraignment. Right away she was producing results. We took the case to a jury trial which was ultimately scheduled 6 months after the arraignment. In the meantime, I did not return to my marital home and was pretty sad about what happened. During this difficult time, Lissa supported me emotionally and kept me updated as she carved out a plan for the trial. She was always available and often reached out to check on me. Before trial, Lissa worked with me closely as we prepared for the trial and this reduced my anxiety over it. I felt very confident about the trial and her preparation. During the jury trial, Lissa had a great opening and questioned the witnesses with authority and aggressiveness when needed. At times, when there were some curve balls against us, Lissa was a very quick thinker and argued motions with great confidence and astute understanding of the law. She laid out my side of the story very clearly for the judge and jury. She closed the trial with a clear and persuasive closing statement. She also used a board as a visual aid to clarify my innocence and show my wife’s motives to the jury. Lissa used these very effectively to convince the jury of my innocence. Jury came back with a not guilty verdict in less than 8 minutes! Lissa was amazing and I’m thankful she was my lawyer. Lastly, as a Muslim male falsely accused of domestic battery and abuse, I had less confidence that I would receive fair consideration. Lissa was very sensitive to the bias and prejudice I might experience based on news accounts that make control or violence against women seem (wrongly) a part of my faith. Overall, I’m very pleased to have worked with Lissa and I’m very grateful to her. I highly recommend Attorney McKinney!

See All Client Reviews

Lissa McKinney's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Lissa
Scott M. Martin headshot
Scott Martin

Probate lawyer | Jun 29

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer without hesitation. I originally met Attorney McKinney (Lisa) years ago when she was against me on a case in Plymouth County. Her knowledge of the law is tremendous. I appreciate great lawyering and Lisa is a fierce competitor, who always fights for her client's best interest. She was professional to work against but never a pushover (this resinated with the judge too). Many lawyers struggle to achieve this balance. Lisa relentlessly pursues the best outcome for her side. I have met several of her clients over the years and all of them speak highly of her. Feedback I have received includes; great client communication, fights hard to achieve best possible outcomes, highly intelligent, honest and fierce litigator. I have never received a negative review of her performance from a colleague or client she represented. The highest praise I can give another attorney is to say that I would risk my name and recommend them and I absolutely recommend Attorney Lisa McKinney."

Andrew P. Bass headshot
Andrew Bass

Litigation lawyer | May 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney McKinney is a highly skilled professional advocating for consumers across the Commonwealth. I endorse this lawyer."

Roland L Milliard headshot
Roland Milliard

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Lissa is always superbly prepared for any case she has. Detailed, thorough preparation is her trademark. She anticipates any argument that may be used by the prosecution and is ready with a reply supported by statutes and case law. Some may argue she "over prepares" but when the result is "Not Guilty", the client perhaps would not agree that is the case."

Kayla Weaton headshot
Kayla Weaton

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney McKinney is one of the best and a mentor to many criminal defense attorneys, including myself. She is highly respected among her peers and I would recommend hiring her without hesitation."

Kevin Patrick Seaver headshot
Kevin Seaver

Unknown lawyer | Jul 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Lissa McKinney as a peer and a colleague."

Richard John Omar headshot
Richard Omar

General practice lawyer | Jul 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Lissa is an excellent attorney with a high level of attention to detail and a strong desire to obtain excellent results for her clients."

David M Owens headshot
David Owens

Unknown lawyer | May 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney McKinney takes the time to actually analyze questions by clients and provide insightful answers that actually answers a clients question. Her responses provide detailed and insightful responses that give a great head start to any potential client she helps."

David P Wolicki headshot
David Wolicki

Criminal defense lawyer | May 20

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have regularly worked with Attorney McKinney on various matters since I first met her almost 8 years ago through a mutual colleague. I frequently refer to her cases that are outside the scope of my own practice but that are in her areas of expertise which include restraining orders, harassment orders, criminal matters, and juvenile litigation. She has litigated and also successfully negotiated excellent results in these cases. I have been more than impressed by her dedication to my clients and have received positive feedback with regard to her professionalism and attention to detail. I highly recommend Attorney McKinney for both lawyers and clients who are looking for someone to handle these types of cases."

Beth M. Nussbaum headshot
Beth Nussbaum

Criminal defense lawyer | May 09

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Lissa is an expert, creative, and impassioned advocate. She will tirelessly pursue all avenues of defense, trial and appellate, and doesn't give up. She is always there for her clients. Highest recommendations!"

Trevor A. Clement headshot
Trevor Clement

Unknown lawyer | Apr 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Lissa is a great lawyer. Very smart, very insightful and a dedicated advocate."

Joshua M Dohan headshot
Joshua Dohan

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Attorney McKinney for thirty years. I have always been impressed with her zealous approach to every case. I can think of few people with her combination of commitment to her clients and intellectual curiosity about the law. Lissa is as thorough and as imaginative as any lawyer I know. I enjoy talking about the law with her and always walk away having learned something, even if it is an area in which I am supposed to be the "expert.""

Rebecca Gaulin Ryan headshot
Rebecca Ryan

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 11

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"It has been a pleasure to collaborate with Attorney McKinney, and we do so as often as we can. Our practice involves substantial probate and family law work where relationships are strained and emotional, and the parties are vying for an angle in probate court. As a result, we often have clients accused of criminal offenses or finding it necessary to defend against restraining or harassment orders. Lissa McKinney has made herself available to our practice and clients as needed, and we are happy to refer our criminal work over to her and encourage others to do the same. She has a wealth of knowledge that overlaps the work we do and has a creative approach to litigation. We entrust our clients to her and know they are in good legal hands when we do."

Dana Alan Curhan headshot
Dana Curhan

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 23

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Lissa is an extremely knowledgable and capable criminal defense lawyer. She is tenacious and dedicated to her clients. I am an appellate lawyer I have worked on numerous matters with her over the past twenty-five years. She is my go to person when I need to refer someone to a criminal trial lawyer, and I cannot recommend her highly enough."

Tracy Dorene Dudevoir headshot
Tracy Dudevoir

Litigation lawyer | Mar 08

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I've known and worked with Attorney McKinney for more than 25 years, and shared office space with her when I first started. She was a highly regarded lawyer back then, and my knowledge of her excellence in litigation has only increased . Over the years we have collaborated on many criminal- probate overlap cases, and I'm very familiar with her work. She is respected in and out of the courtroom and is a dedicated advocate for her clients. I would want her to represent me. Her dedication, passion, compassion and skills are unparalleled."

Elliot Savitz headshot
Elliot Savitz

Unknown lawyer | Mar 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jared M. Wood headshot
Jared Wood

Litigation lawyer | Feb 22

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Attorney McKinney is a skilled trial lawyer who is masterful when representing clients before the court. I strongly endorse this attorney."

View All Endorsements
Matthew N. Gilman headshot
Matthew Gilman

Licensing lawyer

Tracy Dorene Dudevoir headshot
Tracy Dudevoir

Criminal defense lawyer

Andrew P. Bass headshot
Andrew Bass

Lemon law lawyer

David M Owens headshot
David Owens

Landlord or tenant lawyer

William M. White Jr headshot
William White

Criminal defense lawyer

Kayla Weaton headshot
Kayla Weaton

DUI and DWI lawyer

Roland L Milliard headshot
Roland Milliard

Criminal defense lawyer

David P Wolicki headshot
David Wolicki

Estate planning lawyer

Ryan Edward Alekman headshot
Ryan Alekman

Car accident lawyer

Rebecca Gaulin Ryan headshot
Rebecca Ryan

Family lawyer

Dana Alan Curhan headshot
Dana Curhan

Appeals lawyer

Anthony Wane Fugate headshot
Anthony Fugate

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2025

Massachusetts Super Lawyers 2024, Thomson Reuters

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Massachusetts Super Lawyers 2024, Thomson Reuters

2023

Massachusetts Super Lawyers 2023, Thomson Reuters

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Massachusetts SuperLawyers 2022, Thomson Reuters

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Massachusetts Super Lawyers 2021, Thomson Reuters

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Client's Choice Award, Avvo

2020

Massachusetts SuperLawyers 2020, Thomson Reuters

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Top Contributor, Avvo

2019

Client's Choice Award, Avvo

2018

Top Contributor, Avvo

2018

Client's Choice Award, Avvo

2002

Certificate of Appreciation, Suffolk Lawyers For Justice

Work Experience

1987 - Present

Attorney/Owner, Lissa McKinney Law

1999 - 2004

Staff Attorney (PT), Suffolk Lawyers for Justice

1989 - 1991

Adjunct Professor Clinical Program, Suffolk Law School

1984 - 1986

Staff Attorney Boston & Worcester offices, Committee For Public Counsel Services

Associations

2016 - Present

Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys

Member

1997 - Present

Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

National College of DUI Defense

Member

1991 - 1999

National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys

Member

1991 - 1991

Institute for Criminal Defense Advocacy

Selected to attend training college

Sample of Legal Cases

Zullo v. Ally Motors

Recovered $7,394

See More Legal Cases

Education

1984

Suffolk University Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1981

Suffolk University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2019

Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers: Brown Bag Lunch Defending Against Charges of Domestic Violence and Harrassment

2005

Massachusetts Committee for Public Counsel Services

District Court Bar Advocate Training

2004

Massachusetts Committee for Public Counsel Services

District Court Bar Advocate Training

2003

Massachusetts Committee for Public Counsel Services

District Court Bar Advocate Training

2002

Bar Advocate Continuing Education

Essential Rules of Criminal Procedure

2002

Bar Advocate Continuing Education

Evidence: Getting it In-Keeping it Out

2001

Statewide Public Defender Conference,

Probation Violation Proceedings

2001

Bar Advocate Continuing Education

Defending on a Shoestring

2001

Bar Advocate Continuing Education

Probation Surrender Hearings

2000

Bar Advocate Continuing Education

Pre-Trial Conference Rules

1999

Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc.

Trying Drug Cases in Massachusetts

1998

Bar Advocate Continuing Education

Probation Violation Proceedings

1996

Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc.

Emerging Areas of Criminal Practice

1995

Television guest commentator

OJ Simpson Jury Trial

1993

Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc.

Hot Tips for Trying Criminal Cases

Publications

2002

Suffolk Lawyers for Justice Evidence: Getting it In-Keeping it Out

2002

Suffolk Lawyers for Justice Essential Rules of Criminal Procedure

2001

Bar Advocate Continuing Education Defendiing on a Shoestring

2001

Suffolk Lawyers for Justice Probation Surrender Hearings

1999

Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. ("MCLE") Trying Drug Cases in Massachusetts

Languages

English

Activity

Top Contributor

Lissa earned significant contribution points in 2024.

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution