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Robert F. Shaw Jr.

Criminal defense Attorney at Cambridge, MA

5.0   11 reviews

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About Robert

Learn Robert’s areas of practice.

Admitted to the practice of law in the United States Supreme Court; in all jurisdictions and courts for the state of California; in all jurisdictions and courts for the state of Massachusetts; in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California; in the Unites States Court of Appeal for the Ninth Circuit; in the U.S. District Court for the State of Massachusetts; and in the United States Courts of Appeal for the First Circuit.

Photos and videos

Robert F. Shaw, Jr. named a 2012 Lawyer of the Year
Supreme Judicial Court
Superior Court
Supreme Judicial Court
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Licensed for 25 years
State CA
Status Active
Acquired 2000
Updated 12/06/2022
State MA
Status Active
Acquired 1997
Updated 03/17/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Robert

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Law Offices of Robert F. Shaw, Jr.
Cambridge Riverview Center
245 First Street, 18th Floor
Cambridge, MA, 02142-1292

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  11 customer reviews
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Posted by DW | September 3, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired 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!
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Posted by W.P. | September 1, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired 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%.
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Posted by A.M. | March 26, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired 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 word 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.
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Posted by anonymous | April 11, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired 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, hardworking 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.
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Posted by anonymous | December 9, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired 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 that 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!
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Posted by anonymous | November 17, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
He is the Best!
Well, I don't know where to begin. Robert Shaw is truly the best. He is very, very trustworthy, a hard worker, and he leaves no stone unturned. He really cares about the clients he represents. He fights his cases like they are his own. He is very down to earth, a great listener, and something I respect a lot is he is a man of his word. Very honest. I look at him not only as my lawyer but my friend. Robert Shaw is the Tom Brady of lawyers!
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Posted by C.H. | March 21, 2015
Instrumental Attorney
Mr. Shaw was instrumental in my case and got my conviction vacated. Compared to other attorneys, his level of communication is superior. He kept me and my family informed about every detail in the appeal and the appeals process. Mr. Shaw is very knowledgeable about the law, but I never once felt like I was spoken down to. For anyone who needs an attorney, I would recommend Robert Shaw.
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Posted by LG | September 8, 2014
The Best Lawyer I Ever Had
Mr. Shaw represented me in my appeal from a very serious criminal case and won. Mr. Shaw is different from other attorneys because he carries himself with respect and also gives you the same respect. He also listens to what you are trying to explain to him, but during the course of all this he teaches you the law, things that could be done and things that can't be done. Mr. Shaw keeps his professional level very high as an attorney and he shows you what a real lawyer is supposed to be like. He is the best lawyer I ever had.
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Posted by S.A. | August 2, 2014
Wonderful Attorney
Mr. Shaw started representing me after I was convicted and then he won my case on appeal and overturned my conviction. He is a wonderful attorney who truly cares about his clients. Mr. Shaw took the time to put in all of the work necessary to make sure the legal system treated me without partiality.
Posted by Jose M. A. | January 7, 2010
Mr Shaw is my hero. He did an extraordinary work on my appeal, and the entire process
Mr Shaw performed beyond what I had expected in my appeal, and the entire process. He didn't guarantee a victory but listening to him explain things related to my case, i just knew that he would do a great job, and I felt very well represented. His work ethic made me feel relax, i realized that he was the right person, and reversed all my charges in a very dificult case, very complicated but did an amazing job. He is trustworthy, responsive, and very knowledgeable. He will keep you informed of everything, and was great at working for me, and with me. Thanks Mr Shaw.
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Posted by P | December 9, 2009
Excellant Lawyer
Mr. Shaw is a excellant Lawyer and is very Trustworthy and kept my friends and family informed.. dealt with another Lawyer and got railroaded and Mr. Shaw took my decission reversed. If you ever need a Lawyer this is the man to have in your corner. P. S January 2008
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Cost

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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Member
  • Law Offices of Robert F. Shaw, Jr.
  • 1999 - Present
  • Associate
  • Roche, Carens & DeGiacomo P,C,
  • 1997 - 1999

Education

  • Boston College Law School
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1997
  • San Francisco State University
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 1993

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.
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • N/A
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • N/A

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • 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
  • 2019
  • 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
  • 2018
  • 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
  • 2017
  • 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
  • 2016
  • 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
  • 2015
  • Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers
  • National Trial Lawyers
  • 2014
  • Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Massachusetts
  • ASLA, American Society of Legal Advocates
  • 2014
  • 2012 Lawyer of the Year
  • Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly
  • 2013
  • Invited Speaker, MACDL Annual Advanced Skills Seminar
  • Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • 2009
  • Invited Faculty Member, MCLE
  • Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education
  • 2009
  • Certified Murder List Panel
  • Committee for Public Counsel Services
  • 2008
  • Appointment for 4 year term to Appellate Panel
  • U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeal
  • 2007
  • Mentor to Attorneys, Post-Conviction Panel
  • Committee for Public Counsel Services
  • 2003
  • Certified Post-Conviction Panel
  • Committee for Public Counsel Services
  • 2000
  • Magna Cum Laude
  • Boston College Law School
  • 1997
View all awards

Publications

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Forensic Mental Health & The Law
  • Repressed Memory
  • 2009
  • Advanced Post Conviction Litigation Skills Program
  • The First Complaint Doctrine in Massachusetts
  • 2009
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (78)
Given (92)
Endorse Robert
Criminal defense Attorney | 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."
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Simply said, Robert is an outstanding criminal attorney. Highly recommended!"
Criminal defense Attorney | 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!"
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | 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."
Unknown Attorney | Mar 05
Relationship: Other
"Very determined and dedicated attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
Personal injury Attorney | Nov 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Civil rights Attorney | Sep 28
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Sep 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Personal injury Attorney | 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."
Criminal defense Attorney | 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."
Criminal defense Attorney | May 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Robert. He is well versed in the law and an asset to the legal community."
Unknown Attorney | 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."
Criminal defense Attorney | May 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Robert. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Civil rights Attorney | May 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."
Criminal defense Attorney | 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."
Civil rights Attorney | May 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Civil rights Attorney | 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."
Criminal defense Attorney | 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."
Unknown Attorney | Nov 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
View more endorsements
Bankruptcy and debt
Wrongful death
Personal injury
Criminal defense
Personal injury
DUI and DWI
Personal injury
DUI and DWI
Divorce and separation
Car accident
Personal injury
Immigration
DUI and DWI
Personal injury
Bankruptcy and debt
Bankruptcy and debt

Avvo Contributions

This attorney hasn't created any legal answers in Q&A or legal guides recently on Avvo.

Cambridge Criminal defense Lawyer Robert F. Shaw Jr.
Robert F. Shaw Jr.
Criminal defense Attorney
Cambridge, MA
Licensed for 25 years