PRO
David M Gabriel
Virtual Consultation Available
About David
Biography
I've been advocating for men and women in courtrooms throughout Massachusetts for more than three decades. I know that thorough preparation is the key to obtaining positive results for my clients. Preparation translates to a position of strength at trial and throughout the negotiation process.
I have been concentrating in domesitic relations litigation since the late 1990s. Although I am passionate about litigation, I am also a certified divorce mediator. I really enjoy helping folks settle their disputes without the anxiety and expense that flows from litiation. I believe my litigation experiences in divorce and family law give me an edge over other divorce mediators. I've been in the court room and I've seen how the judges handle cases, time and time again. As your mediator, I am able to draw on those experiences in helping you and guiding you through the mediation process toward a positive end result.
I zealously represent people in divorce matters, paternity actions, child custody disputes, actions for court permission to relocate out of state with children, alimony and child support modifications, and contempt actions. I zealously represent men and women concerning restraining orders, domestic abuse charges, criminal defense litigation and personal injury litigation. I've had the pleasure of speaking at a number of educational engagements over the years, concerning litigation, divorce, custody, alimony and asset valuation. In 2018 I became a member of the United States Virgin Islands Bar.
I am fortunate to work with a great team. Our clients come to us in times of crisis. Together, we offer our clients something special - frankness, understanding, guidance, practical advice and most importantly, zealous representation. Our attornies and support staff are responsive, courteous and professional.
Our goal is to assist you in navigating through the legal process, making informed, intelligent decisions and developing sound strategies in order to increase your likelihood of success in reaching a positive end result. Information regarding what our clients think about us as well as a sampling of our actual results, are available on our website. We look forward to helping you, so please give us a call.
Top Rated Divorce and Family Law Lawyer.
Attorney Gabriel works to get you what you deserve.
David M. Gabriel is a top rated child custody lawyer.
Divorce
Aggressively defend your rights and interests.
Learn if Mediation is right for you.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
40 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in Virgin Islands for 7 years
State: Virgin Islands
Acquired: 2018
No misconduct found
Licensed in Massachusetts for 39 years
State: Massachusetts
Acquired: 1985
No misconduct found
Location
David M. Gabriel & Associates
131 Dodge Street, Beverly, MA, 01915-1989
attorneydavidgabriel.com/Attorney-Profiles/David-M-GabrielGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find David online.
David M Gabriel's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 30 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Denis | November 7, 2025 | Hired Attorney
The most impactful family attorney
I’ve been working with Attorney David Gabriel for several months through a very complex divorce, and his experience and steadiness have made a huge difference. He’s straightforward, fair, and genuinely cares about getting things done the right way. You can tell he’s been practicing for decades — he b...
Posted by Will | March 3, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Probate court
David and Annalisa were great! Both were extremely transparent and were always available when I needed them. They helped me through a nightmare and truly believed in my case. Court is stressful and they alleviated a lot of the stress with how compassionate and motivated they were.
Posted by Dom | April 4, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Dom
David was very professional during the whole divorce case. He appeared to run laps around his opposing counsel during my divorce. His knowledge and legal talent is the best I have ever seen or dealt with. He skillfully negotiated the best possible outcome for me in my divorce. He kept me informed at...
Posted by Yulia | February 28, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Great!
This is my second time working with David Gabriel. If I have to get an attorney I will choose him again. If you need someone who is honest and knows his stuff - hire him. My case was complicated- other attorney was interested in her own earnings and tried to drag things along just to bill. Davi...
Posted by anonymous | June 1, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Great communication
Getting divorced is never easy, but with a lawyer like David Gabriel by your side, it can be swift and painless. As an attorney myself, I know how difficult it can be to work with high-maintenance clients, but David has the patience of a saint and answered all of my calls, texts, and questions al...
David M Gabriel's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have worked with David Gabriel as opposing counsel on a highly contested divorce matter. He is an outstanding litigator with an extremely high level of knowledge and expertise in Family Law. He treats his clients with the utmost care and works zealously to obtain their overall objectives. Attorney Gabriel is well-known and very well respected by judges and court personnel and has an outstanding reputation and esteem by his peers in the industry. I highly recommend David Gabriel without reservation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I referred a very difficult equity / domestic relations case to David. He researched the law, pinpointed the facts, and totally obliterated the opposing counsel."
"As a fellow Personal Injury lawyer with 33 years experience in the field I can say without hesitation that David Gabriel is an extraordinarily talented member of the Bar. He is thorough, thoughtful, and a strong advocate for his clients. I would gladly refer anyone I know to David and, in doing so, would be certain that the referral would reflect well on me."
"I endorse this attorney. David Gabriel and I have worked on opposite sides of a complex divorce matter. I have also had the opportunity to observe Attorney Gabriel in court in his advocacy on other family law matters. David is a perceptive and responsive family law attorney. He is thoughtful and thorough in his approach to cases. I have observed his ability to advocate for his clients while at the same time approaching emotionally-charged family law matters with compassion, common sense and professionalism. This approach not only benefits clients, it is better for the legal community as a whole. I have personally observed his excellent rapport with other members of the legal community, court personnel and the judiciary. He clearly has earned the respect of the legal community in Essex County. David is also a wonderful colleague, ready, willing and able to take the time to provide insight on current legal issues. To top that off, he is quick-witted with a great sense of humor."
"I endorse this lawyer. David and I were on opposites side of a case together a few years ago. He was a tenacious and zealous advocate yet reasonable and open to constructive settlement negotiations which is an essential balance for a successful Family Law attorney. In my opinion, David serves his clients well as he is thorough, prepared and willing to look for a reasonable solution in a situation which can be fraught with negative emotion."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked both with David on cases and against him, and found him terrific. His can do attitude combined with his professionalism and knowledge of domestic relations makes him a an asset to the field. He is a zealous advocate who does not lose sight of civility when dealing with opposing sides, which can be rare in this arena. He is a benefit to the field."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Gabriel is an aggressive advocate for his clients and knows the law, is practical and realistic in his approach. He also works well with opposing counsel, making sure that personalities do not get in the way of his clients' needs. He works hard to settle his cases/avoid expensive trials, but is an excellent trial attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. David is an outstanding attorney who has an excellent reputation in the legal community and unerstands that the battle is not between the attorneys...and sometimes should not be between the clients. I would happily work with him again."
"I have not worked with Attorney Gabriel, however, I have had the opportunity to observe him in the court room, both at motion hearings as well as observing him conducting a trial. He is always prepared, knowledgeable, and effective."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Gabriel is an outstanding attorney with an excellent reputation. David ealously advocates for his clients and gets the best result possible in each case. I highly recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. David is a real hard working attorney that knows how to get the job done. He is very down to earth and cares deeply for his clients. He has an extremely broad depth of the knowledge in law and uses it to his clients advantage. I wholeheartedly would support your choice in hiring attorney Gabriel."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. He is a great attorney and experience in which the fields he specializes. He is an asset to the bar."
Divorce and separation lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Family lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Family lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2022
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2020
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
10 Best, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2017
10 Best, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2008
Certified Mediator, Mediation Works
2008
Certiied Divorce Mediator, Mediation Works
1981
Cum Laude, Boston College
Work Experience
1994 - Present
Owner, David M. Gabriel & Associates
1988 - 1994
Partner, Law Offices of Richard J. Gabriel & David M. Gabriel, PC
1985 - 1988
Associate, Gabriel & Gabriel
Associations
2011 - Present
Massachusetts Academy of Trial AttorneysMember
2010 - Present
Better Business BureauMember
2001 - Present
Essex County Bar AssociationMember
Education
1984
JD - Juris Doctor
1981
Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2014
Divorce
2014
Divorce
2013
Divorce
2013
Alimony Reform
2012
Divorce Demystified
Publications
2010
2010
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Can the court order me to pay alimony when higher earner loses job but my stable $80k income is only enough for myself?
10 Dec 2016
Can a police report be used as testimony in favor of the defendant at a criminal trial.
14 Jun 2014