The majority of my my practice centers around legal issues between students and schools. This issue is my passion. Clients range from pre-Kindergarten through graduate schools. I also maintain a significant estate planning practice, including estate planning for families with special needs children. In addition to my J.D., I also have a Master's Degree in Education and a teaching certification. I am a member of the bar in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Florida.
I attended Suffolk Law School as an evening student, working full-time to support my family. While at Suffolk, I earned a spot on the Law Review, where I focused my research and writing on the issue of the MCAS graduation requirement as it relates to children with special needs. I graduated from Suffolk cum laude.
In my personal life, I serve as Vice President and on the Board of Directors of Temple Beth Israel in Waltham. I also serve on the Board of Directors of two other organizations: the Waltham Community Foundation, a charitable organization that provides financial assistance to charities that benefit the people of Waltham, as well as GWARC, which assists people with intellectual challenges.
I am married, and have one daughter. I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, playing the piano, playing golf, and watching the Red Sox.
Practice areas
I work with clients at all levels, from pre-K through graduate schools. Typical issues involve students with disabilities and/or disciplinary issues. My goal is to work zealously, yet in a positive and respectful fashion, to ensure that schools provide appropriate services and accommodations, and that my clients' rights are not being violated.
13 years
Languages spoken
English
Law Office of James M. Baron
395 Totten Pond Road
Suite 101
Waltham, MA, 02451
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
FL | Member in Good Standing | 2008 | 12/20/2020 |
MA | Active | 2007 | 12/02/2020 |
NH | Active | 2007 | 03/05/2009 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2014 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2013 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2012 |
Client's Choice Award | Avvo | 2012 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2011 |
Make New Friends Award | Girl Scouts | 2010 |
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Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Attorney at Law | Law Office of James M. Baron | 2007 - Present |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
GWARC (Greater Waltham Arc) | Board Member | 2010 - Present |
SPAN (Special Needs Advocacy Network) | Member | 2010 - Present |
COPAA (Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates) | Member | 2008 - Present |
Massachusetts Bar Association | Member | 2007 - Present |
Temple Beth Israel | Vice President | 2005 - Present |
Waltham Community Foundation | Board of Directors | 2003 - Present |
---|---|---|
Temple Beth Israel | Board of Directors | 1990 - Present |
American Bar Association | Member | 2011 - 2012 |
Waltham Community Foundation | Past President | 2003 - 2009 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
National Law Review | Expelled Student's ADA Claim Against Law School Can Proceed | 2009 |
Suffolk Law Review | When Good Intentions Go Bad: The MCAS Graduation Requirement and Special Education Children | 2006 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Suffolk University Law School | JD - Juris Doctor | 2007 |
Emmanuel College | M.Ed. | 1990 |
Brandeis University | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1985 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
COPAA 2015 | Running Your Own Special Education Law Practice | 2015 |
COPAA 2014 | Running Your Own Special Education Law Practice | 2014 |
How to Start and Run a Solo Practice | How to Start and Run a Solo Practice | 2012 |
Visions of Community | Special Education Law: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder | 2011 |
How to Start and Run a Solo Practice | How to Start and Run a Solo Practice | 2011 |
Webinar | Introduction to Special Education Law | 2010 |
---|---|---|
MCLE School Law | School Law | 2010 |
How to Start and Run a Solo Practice | How to Start and Run a Solo Practice | 2010 |
AANE Asperger's Conference | Asperger Syndrome and Special Education Law | 2010 |
Brachial Plexus Gathering | 504's, IEP's, and Brachial Plexus Injury | 2009 |
Autism and Special Education Law | Autism and Special Education Law | 2008 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Student v. Belmont Public Schools | Student with high functioning autism was found eligible for special education services |
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Michael Gerace, General practice Attorney on Sep 8, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Awesome attorney. Highly respected in the legal community.
Corine Claxton, Education Attorney on Jul 14, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I had the pleasure of interviewing James Baron on Mass Law Radio. His knowledge of special education law is impressive. With great detail and clarity, Attorney Baron explained the process parents of special needs students must go through in order to access resources for their children. I endorse this lawyer.
Terri Leary, Education Attorney on Oct 22, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. I have consulted with him and confidently refer all education law inquiries to him.
Karla Mansur, Education Attorney on May 25, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Carolan Hardy, Education Attorney on Feb 19, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. James and I are members of an attorney group. James despite his solo practice is always there to answer questions and assist others. I recommend this attorney for anyone who needs an attorney for an education matter.
Shani Collymore, Education Attorney on Aug 15, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Attorney Baron is well respected by both attorneys and clients in the legal community. It is with great pleasure that I endorse this lawyer.
Travis Jacobs, Education Attorney on Jan 27, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. I have known Attorney Baron for several years through an attorney networking group. Attorney Baron has demonstrated he has excellent experience in and knowledge of Education Law. He regularly provides valuable legal advice and suggestions to his colleagues. I would refer any Education Law-related cases to Attorney Baron without hesitation.
Nicholas Keramaris, Education Attorney on Dec 27, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jim is my "go to guy" for education law questions. He is highly knowledgeable and also easy to get along with. I fully endorse his work.
Audrey O'Shaughnessy, Education Attorney on Dec 6, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jim Baron is a colleague and now a friend as well. Jim is professional, intelligent, and kind, and he is a strong advocate for his clients. He has a Masters in education in addition to his law degree, which gives him a unique and valuable perspective for his cases. Jim is passionate about his practice, and I endorse him without reservations.
John Kirwan, Education Attorney on Oct 27, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work.
Richard Kell, Education Attorney on Oct 19, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
As a professional colleague, I know that Jim is a highly experienced and knowledgeable education law attorney. I recently had the opportunity to attend one of his seminars and can personally attest to his level of expertise. Jim is not only extremely dedicated to serving his clients, he is also committed to educating other attorneys in his field of practice. I would recommend Jim wholeheartedly to anyone in need of his services.
Kimberly Bova, Education Attorney on Oct 19, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
James works hard for the Children and Families of this community. I would refer my family and friends as well as clients to James for his services.
Jennifer DiCarlo, Education Attorney on Oct 17, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
It is with great pleasure that I endorse this attorney's work. In fact, I have referred potential clients to Attorney Baron because I trust that he will be able to provide them with the necessary guidance to resolve their education law related issues. Upon speaking with Attorney Baron, his expertise and genuine interest in this area of the law is quite evident as is the fact that he cares a great deal for his clients.
Shanda Tinney, Education Attorney on Aug 20, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jim Baron is an excellent attorney. He knows the law and is able to help clients navigate the legal system with compassion and concern.
Jonas Jacobson, Education Attorney on Aug 20, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I refer clients in need of special education services to Jim Baron from time to time. He has a good reputation in Boston.
Gabriel Cheong, Education Attorney on Apr 23, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I've known Jim for several years now through various attorney groups and interactions. In my dealings with him and conversations with Jim, I've found him to be engaging and thorough in his work with his clients. He's dedicated to defending parents, children, and students who get caught up in the educational system and he fights hard to defend them. I endorse Jim Baron as a terrific education lawyer.
Lillian Wong, Education Attorney on Apr 11, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work.
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