Robert F. Shaw Jr.

Robert F. Shaw Jr.

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 28 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Cambridge, MA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, Civil Rights

Cambridge Riverview Center, 245 First Street, 18th Floor, Cambridge, MA

About Robert

Biography

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in California for 25 years

State: California

Acquired: 2000

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Massachusetts for 28 years

State: Massachusetts

Acquired: 1997

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Robert F. Shaw, Jr.

Cambridge Riverview Center, 245 First Street, 18th Floor, Cambridge, MA, 02142-1292

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Robert F. Shaw Jr.'s Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

11 Client Reviews

5 star (11)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by DW | September 3, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

One in a million

Mr. Shaw represented me in a completely unfair murder case and overturned the conviction. He is totally different from most lawyers. He is one in a million! What sets him apart is his authenticity and thoughtfulness. He is as real as they come. What you see is what you get. He wears his being on his ...sleeve. He will never mislead you for his benefit. He has a great concern for his clients which is the catalyst for his strong work ethic. I would definitely recommend Mr. Shaw to anyone who is trying to win their case. He works hard, is honest, transparent, knowledgeable, and responsive. He has a methodical approach about him that makes you feel safe and secure about his informed decisions. He is the best in the business!

Posted by W.P. | September 1, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great Communication, Humble, Attention to Detail, Patient & Caring

Many qualities set Mr. Shaw apart. He has incredible attention to detail, time management, great communication, he is humble, and easy to approach. Mr. Shaw likes to speak with his clients and family members himself. We do not need to call his office, we call his personal cellphone and email him, we... like that we feel this connection with the attorney. He is so patient, we would ask the same question over and over again and he would not be bothered to repeat and help us understand the process. Mr. Shaw is not business as usual like most attorneys. He feels as part of our family. He doesn't push us away, he is not rushed to get off the phone when we are constantly calling him. He worries about our family's emotional well being. He never hides the negative or the positive, but he explains everything honestly so there is no confusion or misunderstanding. I would recommend Mr. Shaw 100%.

Posted by A.M. | March 26, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Incredible attorney with true heart and integrity.

Robert Shaw represented me in a very serious murder case where I was wrongfully convicted and won. I was sentenced to life in prison. He was very strategic and efficient. He put 110% into every aspect of my case. He was open minded to my thoughts and broke down each issues effortlessly. The first wor...d that comes to mind when I think of him is integrity. His heart is in his work. It's not just a job or career. He truly cares about his client and fights for them to get justice.

Posted by anonymous | April 11, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

One of the most knowledgeable, skilled, hardworking and compassionate people I have ever met

I highly and whole heartily recommend Robert Shaw Jr. as an attorney. Our experience with him was positive from the first moment we consulted him. He was attentive, thorough and helpful during times that were extremely difficult for me and my family. He is one of the most knowledgeable, skilled, har...dworking and compassionate people I have ever met. From the first time we met Robert Shaw, Jr. we knew he was different from any other attorney. His interest in the case and how much he already knew by the first time we met was impressive. Our trust and respect over the time that he had the case only grew stronger and stronger. He would look you in the eyes and tell you the truth, always returned our phone calls quickly and effectively, and kept us informed. He always got a call back within a few hours when we called him. Always prepared in court and in filing motions and briefs. Robert handled an appeal after a conviction of first degree murder and a sentenced to life in prison without parole at the age of 21. I have worked with many lawyers since I work in law enforcement and I have never worked with an attorney like Robert Shaw, Jr. This man was born to be a defense attorney. He stands so proud on the side of justice and you feel that you are definitely not alone against the system when injustice knocks at your door. Fortunately, Robert was able to get the conviction overturned and the entire case dismissed. However even if things had not gone the way we hoped we would have felt good in the sense that we knew we got the best possible defense attorney to stand by us to undo the injustice that sometimes takes place in the criminal justice system. My family and I will forever be in debt with Robert Shaw, Jr. God bless him and take care of him. Men like him are not born every day.

Posted by anonymous | December 9, 2015 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

He went to war in that courtroom

Mr. Shaw has been the best thing that happened in my life and for my family. He has been our voice in the courtroom. Mr. Shaw has given us hope when we felt hopeless. Mr. Shaw is the Truth. He has treated us as family. I love Mr. Shaw. He fought and didn't hold back anything, he went to war in t...hat courtroom. I feel so safe with him. I can't believe I met a lawyer like him. I am forever so thankful. Everything he said he was going to do he did, and then more. I only dreamed to find an attorney like him. And my dream came true. God sent Mr. Shaw to help us and he did just that. He is the best!

See All Client Reviews

Robert F. Shaw Jr.'s Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Robert
Derek Jacques headshot
Derek Jacques

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Shaw is a very talented attorney. I would not hesitate to recommend him to a client in need."

Daniel L. Kron headshot
Daniel Kron

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Simply said, Robert is an outstanding criminal attorney. Highly recommended!"

Keith Adam Halpern headshot
Keith Halpern

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Shaw appears to be an incredible asset to his practice area. His coupling of Constitutional Law with Defense Law is outstanding. More Defense attorneys should follow in his footsteps!"

Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington headshot
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Mark V. Clay headshot
Mark Clay

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Judd S Nemiro headshot
Judd Nemiro

Unknown lawyer | Mar 05

Relationship: Other

"Very determined and dedicated attorney. I endorse this lawyer."

Douglas MacMillan Borthwick headshot
Douglas Borthwick

Personal injury lawyer | Nov 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Dmitriy Shakhnevich headshot
Dmitriy Shakhnevich

Civil rights lawyer | Sep 28

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joseph Torri headshot
Joseph Torri

Unknown lawyer | Sep 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

James Charles Shields headshot
James Shields

Personal injury lawyer | Aug 21

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.I endorse this lawyer."

Cameron Todd Norris headshot
Cameron Norris

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 03

Relationship: Other

"Mr. Shaw is who I would recommend as criminal defense counsel in Middlesex County as relates to any criminal defense matter."

Daniel Jai Tripathi headshot
Daniel Tripathi

Criminal defense lawyer | May 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Robert. He is well versed in the law and an asset to the legal community."

Richard Todd Rosenstein headshot
Richard Rosenstein

Unknown lawyer | May 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Shaw is a highly skilled and effective criminal defense attorney. He is a zealous advocate for the rights and interests of his clients."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Robert. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Sean Cleary headshot
Sean Cleary

Civil rights lawyer | May 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."

A.J. Arias headshot
A.J. Arias

Criminal defense lawyer | May 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I personally endorse Attorney Shaw for being an outstanding practitioner in his field and for delivering quality legal work to his clients."

Jason Pietryga headshot
Jason Pietryga

Civil rights lawyer | May 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

John M O'Brien headshot
John O'Brien

Civil rights lawyer | Apr 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. An outstanding and well respected attorney in the legal community. I would recommend him wholeheartedly to anyone needing legal representation."

Ligia M Melendez Parmenter headshot
Ligia Parmenter

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Robert F. Shaw Jr. is an experienced attorney whose participation and comments in Avvo show his commitment to serving clients very well. He is an excellent attorney that I recommend whole heartedly."

Christine Bennett headshot
Christine Bennett

Unknown lawyer | Nov 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
James Charles Shields headshot
James Shields

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Sean Cleary headshot
Sean Cleary

Wrongful death lawyer

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Military law lawyer

Richard Todd Rosenstein headshot
Richard Rosenstein

Litigation lawyer

John M O'Brien headshot
John O'Brien

Personal injury lawyer

Raymond George Wigell headshot
Raymond Wigell

Criminal defense lawyer

Matthew C Simon headshot
Matthew Simon

Personal injury lawyer

Gintare Grigaite headshot
Gintare Grigaite

Immigration lawyer

Macy Michelle Jaggers headshot
Macy Jaggers

DUI and DWI lawyer

Brian Heath Crockett headshot
Brian Crockett

Personal injury lawyer

William Travis Towe headshot
William Towe

DUI and DWI lawyer

Michael C. Barrows headshot
Michael Barrows

Divorce and separation lawyer

Manuel Alzamora Juarez headshot
Manuel Juarez

Car accident lawyer

Stephen Laurence Hoffman headshot
Stephen Hoffman

Personal injury lawyer

Robert Louis Brown headshot
Robert Brown

Immigration lawyer

Scott David Levy headshot
Scott Levy

DUI and DWI lawyer

Heather A Lottmann headshot
Heather Lottmann

Personal injury lawyer

Brandy Ann Peeples headshot
Brandy Peeples

Litigation lawyer

Matthew Scott Berkus headshot
Matthew Berkus

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Brett Francis Bodie headshot
Brett Bodie

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2019

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2019

Nations Top 1%, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2019

Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Massachusetts, ASLA, American Society of Legal Advocates

2018

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2018

Nations Top 1%, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2018

Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Massachusetts, ASLA, American Society of Legal Advocates

2017

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2017

Nations Top 1%, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2017

Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Massachusetts, ASLA, American Society of Legal Advocates

2016

Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Massachusetts, National Trial Lawyers

2016

Nations Top 1%, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2016

Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Massachusetts, ASLA, American Society of Legal Advocates

2015

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2015

Nations Top 1%, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2015

Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Massachusetts, ASLA, American Society of Legal Advocates

2014

Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2014

Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Massachusetts, ASLA, American Society of Legal Advocates

2013

2012 Lawyer of the Year, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly

2009

Invited Speaker, MACDL Annual Advanced Skills Seminar, Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2009

Invited Faculty Member, MCLE, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education

2008

Certified Murder List Panel, Committee for Public Counsel Services

2007

Appointment for 4 year term to Appellate Panel, U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeal

2003

Mentor to Attorneys, Post-Conviction Panel, Committee for Public Counsel Services

2000

Certified Post-Conviction Panel, Committee for Public Counsel Services

1997

Magna Cum Laude, Boston College Law School

Work Experience

1999 - Present

Member, Law Offices of Robert F. Shaw, Jr.

1997 - 1999

Associate, Roche, Carens & DeGiacomo P,C,

Associations

Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Commonwealth v. Ware

First Degree Murder Conviction Vacated, New Trial Granted, Sentence of Life in Prison Without the Possibility of Parole Overturned.

Commonwealth v. Wardsworth

Verdict Vacated, New Trial Granted. Murder conviction and sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole overturned.

Commonwealth v. Diaz-Perez

New Trial Granted. Murder conviction and sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole overturned.

Commonwealth v. Morin

Murder conviction and sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole reversed, case remanded for new trial.

Commonwealth v. Gonzalez

Murder conviction vacated, judgment to enter for defendant.

Commonwealth v. Cousin

Murder conviction overturned.

Commonwealth v. Clyde Howard

Murder conviction and Sentence of Life in Prison without the Possibility of Parole Reversed, remanded for a new trial.

Commonwealth v. Charon Ray

Murder conviction and sentence of Life in Prison without Possibility of Parole vacated and case remanded for resentencing.

Commonwealth v. Lamory Gray

Murder conviction Reversed, Verdict Set Aside, Remanded for New Trial.

Commonwealth v. Solange Anestal

Murder conviction Reversed, Verdict Set Aside, Remanded for New Trial.

Commonwealth v. A.N.

New Trial Granted

Commonwealth v. A.N.

Trial Court Denial Vacated

Commonwealth v. Miranda

New Prospective Rule

Commonwealth v. D.J.

New Trial Granted

Commonwealth v. E.V.

Sentence vacated, remanded with order.

Commonwealth v. J.A.

Judgments Reversed, Verdicts Set Aside

Commonwealth v. G.O.

Judgments Reversed, Verdicts Set Aside

Commonwealth v. P.S.

Judgments Reversed, Verdicts Set Aside

Commonwealth v. R.P.

Judgments Reversed, Verdicts Set Aside

Commonwealth v. P.G.

Trial Court's Order Vacated, Case Remanded

Medicus Systems corp v. Hospital Dr. Pila

Case Dismissed

In Re Confidential Malpractice Litigation

1,200,000.00 Settlement

Commonwealth v. G.W.

Judgments Reversed, Verdicts Set Aside

See More Legal Cases

Education

1997

Boston College Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1993

San Francisco State University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2018

Prosecuting and Defending Homicide Cases Felony Murder in Massachusetts

2009

Hardly Common Defenses to Common, But Hard, Criminal Cases The Statute of Limitation Defense: General Overview and Current Issues

2009

Forensic Mental Health & The Law

Repressed Memory

2009

Advanced Post Conviction Litigation Skills Program

The First Complaint Doctrine in Massachusetts

Publications

2013

2012

Laurel J. Sweet, Boston herald Court orders new trial in gang murder case

2012

Denise Lavoie, Associated Press Boston man gets new trial in student's killing

2012

Associated Press, Boston Globe, Boston Herald Brockton Woman Gets Retrial in Boyfriend's Slaying

2009

The Nation Magazine. Crisis of Faith

2008

2008

Guide Magazine Any Prayer for Shanley?

Languages

English

Spanish

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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