David M Gabriel

PRO

David M Gabriel

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 40 years

Family Lawyer at Beverly, MA
Practice Areas: Family, Divorce & Separation, Mediation ... +2 more

131 Dodge Street, Beverly, MA

Virtual Consultation Available

About David

Biography

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

Alimony 20%

20%
Child Custody 20%

20%
Divorce and Separation 20%

20%
Family 20%

Zealous representation in the following areas of family law: Divorce, Mediation, Paternity Actions, Contempts, Modifications, Equity Actions, Child Custody Disputes, Child Removal, Domestic Abuse & Restraining Orders.

41 years

20%
Mediation 20%

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2019 2014

Licenses

Licensed in Virgin Islands for 7 years

State: Virgin Islands

Acquired: 2018

Authorized to practice law

No misconduct found

Licensed in Massachusetts for 40 years

State: Massachusetts

Acquired: 1985

Active

No misconduct found

Location

David M. Gabriel & Associates

131 Dodge Street, Beverly, MA, 01915-1989

attorneydavidgabriel.com/Attorney-Profiles/David-M-Gabriel

Online Presence

Other places you can find David online.

David M Gabriel's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

30 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (30) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Compassion

Posted by Will | March 05, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

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 Mary | May 11, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Strong, Compassionate and Knowledgable

I highly recommend David without reservation to anyone who is in need of a strong, compassionate and knowledgable family law attorney. David is approachable and is able to diffuse emotional situations. He has strong communication skills and answers questions in a clear and concise manner. Throughout ...my divorce process, David explained each step and worked with me to understand the possible outcomes of each scenario. David was clear that he would not promise an outcome but rather would work through the process with me to reach a fair agreement. When necessary, David was able to "draw a line in the sand" with the opposIng counsel. I felt that David was thorough in analyzing all the complexities of my case. David's staff is responsive and reliable. Again, I recommend David without any hesitation. During a very difficult, divorce process, I never worried that my legal representation was not one of the best in Essex County.

Posted by Denise | February 24, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

FANTASTIC DIVORCE ATTORNEY - SMART, METHODICAL, EXPERIENCED, RESPECTED

I’ve been through a lot over the years with my divorce and associated modification agreements and never felt I had someone really looking out for me and willing to fight hard for me and my children. During the past year, I finally found the right attorney. Attorney David Gabriel. My situation is... confrontational, bitterly contested and seems to be never-ending. Attorney Gabriel takes the time to listen to the continuous drama, applies the law and fights for my rights time and again. He knows the system and is well respected by everyone including his peers, attorneys and the judges who rule over our district. He comes prepared for each and every event and goes above and beyond preparing and making sure we are always well positioned. Has any of your lawyers listened to past hearings of yours to gain an upper hand? Has any of your lawyers stood up to your ex in person because of his lewd behavior? David does. If you want to lessen the stress and feel confident walking into court, do not look any further. I could go on but will end with two points. First, the facts, I received a favorable judgment including payback of all attorney Fee’s! When does that ever happen? Second, I now believe I have a friend that I can continue to lean on that has not forgotten me. Do you feel that way about your Attorney? I wish I did not have to deal with my ex over and over again but what choice do I have? Knowing I have Attorney Gabriel in my corner allows me and my children to live our lives with less stress and well-being.

Posted by Christine | September 03, 2014 | Divorce & Separation

Highly recommend this attorney for divorce/custody cases

I have an immense amount of gratitude and respect for David Gabriel and David Broderick, who helped me through a difficult and stressful divorce and custody situation in 2013. They are compassionate, kind and caring. Even better, they really know what they're doing. Their deep experience and expe...rtise with the people and processes associated with Essex County family and criminal court systems was invaluable. They helped me navigate through what felt like an extremely foreign landscape. I always felt confident that I was in good hands with them. And while my ex-husband may be one of the most challenging characters to negotiate with on the planet, David and David ultimately got me the custody and divorce agreement terms that were what I needed to feel like my daughter and I could have a clean and fresh start. I honestly don't know what I would have done without them to help me through such a trying time. I have the utmost respect and appreciation for them as people and attorneys. They know what they're doing, take their work seriously. and have good hearts. I would recommend them to anyone looking for an attorney on the North Shore or greater Massachusetts.

See All Client Reviews

David M Gabriel's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse David
Robert P. Luber headshot
Robert Luber

Family lawyer | Jul 26

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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."

Nicole Reilly headshot
Nicole Reilly

Family lawyer | Nov 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Lisa A. Greenberg headshot
Lisa Greenberg

Family lawyer | Aug 06

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I referred a very difficult equity / domestic relations case to David. He researched the law, pinpointed the facts, and totally obliterated the opposing counsel."

William J. Griset Jr. headshot
William Griset

Personal injury lawyer | Aug 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Demetra M. Pontisakos headshot
Demetra Pontisakos

Divorce and separation lawyer | May 21

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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."

Lisa A Jacobowitz headshot
Lisa Jacobowitz

Family lawyer | May 20

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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."

Nancy M Ignazi headshot
Nancy Ignazi

Family lawyer | Feb 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Donna Keady Booth headshot
Donna Booth

Family lawyer | Jan 14

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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."

Donald Lloyd Pitman headshot
Donald Pitman

Family lawyer | Dec 19

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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."

Thomas J. Taranto headshot
Thomas Taranto

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Christine G. DeBernardis headshot
Christine DeBernardis

Family lawyer | Oct 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Eric R Jarosz headshot
Eric Jarosz

Family lawyer | Apr 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Donnalee Leonardo headshot
Donnalee Leonardo

Child custody lawyer | Apr 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

View All Endorsements
Robert P. Luber headshot
Robert Luber

Divorce and separation lawyer

William J. Griset Jr. headshot
William Griset

Personal injury lawyer

Demetra M. Pontisakos headshot
Demetra Pontisakos

Divorce and separation lawyer

Lisa A Jacobowitz headshot
Lisa Jacobowitz

Divorce and separation lawyer

Lisa A. Greenberg headshot
Lisa Greenberg

Divorce and separation lawyer

Nancy M Ignazi headshot
Nancy Ignazi

Divorce and separation lawyer

Donna Keady Booth headshot
Donna Booth

Family lawyer

Thomas J. Taranto headshot
Thomas Taranto

Divorce and separation lawyer

Donald Lloyd Pitman headshot
Donald Pitman

Family lawyer

Marianne Emanuel Pantelakis headshot
Marianne Pantelakis

Divorce and separation lawyer

Donnalee Leonardo headshot
Donnalee Leonardo

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

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 Attorneys

Member

2010 - Present

Better Business Bureau

Member

2001 - Present

Essex County Bar Association

Member

Education

1984

Suffolk University Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1981

Boston College

Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2014

Divorce in a Nutshell

Divorce

2014

2014 Practical Skills Seminar

Divorce

2013

Practical Skills Seminar

Divorce

2013

Advocacy and Drafting Under the New Alimony Reform Legislation

Alimony Reform

2012

Divorce CLE

Divorce Demystified

Publications

2010

Findlaw Knowledge Base Taxes in Divorce

2010

FindLaw Alimony Reform Proposed in Massachusetts

Languages

English

Activity

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