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Michael L Rich

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Avvo Rating8.3
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About Michael

I concentrate my practice in Children's and Family Law, especially child abuse and neglect defense, DSS, DCF, 51As, care and protections, termination of parental rights, guardianships, students' rights, special education, school discipline, expulsion, foster care, guardianship, adoption. Consultant and staff trainer in child abuse and neglect reporting practices and liability prevention. Also delinquency and criminal defense and CHINS cases.  More at www.MichaelRichLaw.blogspot.com.

Practice areas

OtherJuvenile lawGuardianshipEducationChild abuse
  1. Child abuse: 70%

    39 years

  2. Education: 20%

    36 years

  3. Guardianship: 4%

    26 years

  4. Juvenile law: 3%

    39 years

  1. Adoption: 2%

    31 years

  2. Family: 1%

    39 years

Contact

37 Middlesex Circle
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37 Middlesex Circle
Unit 21
Waltham, MA, 02452

The Law Office of Michael L. Rich

Law Office of Michael L. Rich

37 Middlesex Circle
Unit 21
Waltham, MA, 02452

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Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
MAActive197909/16/2019
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers2577
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Reginald Heber Smith Community Lawyer FellowshipHoward University1980
Reginald Heber Smith Community Lawyer FellowshipHoward University1979
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
MentorChildren and Family Law Program, MA Committee for Public Counsel Services1995 - Present
AttorneyLaw Office of Michael L. Rich1982 - Present
Staff AttorneyNortheast Kentucky Legal Services1979 - 1982
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
National Association of Counsel for ChildrenMemberN/A
Council of Parent Attorneys and AdvocatesMemberN/A
Restorative Justice Task Team of the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of ChristChair2000 - 2013
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Arlington AdvocateMore on Corporal Punishment Bill2007
Boston GlobeAssessing impact at DSS2007
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Northeastern University School of LawJD - Juris Doctor1979
City College of the City University of New YorkBA - Bachelor of Arts1976
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Experience a Restorative Justice CircleRestorative Justice2013

Reviews

(14)
5 Star
93%
4 Star
7%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Review Michael Rich

Very helpful and very caring and nice

Posted by

He wasn't my lawyer but he still gave me pretty good advice and looked out for me when he didn't have to. He also answered my questions very quickly. If I lived in his area I would probably hire him.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney
Michael Rich's response: Thanks for posting this review. I am glad the timing worked out for me to be able to have the back-and-forth we did. I hope you were able to hire a local attorney to move your case forward.

Mike Rescued Our Family

Posted by

Mike's help was crucial it getting our family through a difficult time. We had a case opened at DCF--an organization that has broad administrative powers and little oversight--during a difficult time for my son. Another lawyer told me there was nothing I could do except follow DCF's requests. Mike was much more helpful. He told us all of our options and the associated risks. We worked out a plan going forward, and he implemented it to perfection: today we are free and clear of DCF involvement. This has been an enormous relief to my son who is suffering from anxiety, as well as my wife and me. I am glad we found Mike; I would recommend him to anyone in a similar position.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
Michael Rich's response: Thanks for posting this review. It was a pleasure working with you and your family. Best wishes for a DCF-free future and that the agencies you are working with help more instead of hindering your son's progress going forward.
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(31)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Rahul Aggarwal, Real estate Attorney on Feb 21, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Michael is an extremely competent, reasonably-priced lawyer of high ability. You would do well to avail yourself of his services.

Rahul Aggarwal, Real estate Attorney on Feb 21, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Michael is an extremely competent, reasonably-priced lawyer of high ability. You would do well to avail yourself of his services.

Kevin Seaver, Child abuse Attorney on Dec 2, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with an have known Attorney Rich for many years. Attorney Rich is an outstanding advocate for all his clients.

Nancy Dowling, Estate planning Attorney on Aug 5, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer. He is a gentleman and a scholar...

Wayne Morrow, Personal injury Attorney on May 26, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mr. Rich practices at the standard of excellence and caring that exemplifies the best of the legal profession. As a CA certified specialist in the area of child abuse and neglect law, I endorse him as an outstanding choice. This is the lawyer you want when you have these types of legal nightmares to deal with. WM

Michael Doland, Business Attorney on Aug 4, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse one particular aspect of Mr. Rich - his professional courtesy. In the day to day life practice of law, it is not the nasty aggressive attorneys like those on television that normally prevail. It is those attorneys Like Mr. Rich who are well prepared and know how to communicate politely and reasonably with their colleagues who normally prevail. Mr. Rich demonstrates this in answer after answer and should be on any client's "short list" to interview.

John Lassen, Business Attorney on Mar 13, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Gregory Casale, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 20, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Very thorough and always prepared. I endorse this lawyer.

Robert von Dohlen, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jan 26, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.I endorse this lawyer. Great source of help with your Family Law concerns!

Judd Nemiro

No matter what kind of legal issues you face throughout your life, it is important to have an experienced and trustworthy lawyer on your side. This attorney is one.

Sean Cleary, Car accident Attorney on Sep 29, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community.

Hovanes Margarian, Consumer protection Attorney on Jul 13, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Seth Gaskins, Child custody Attorney on Jun 17, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

John O'Brien, Personal injury Attorney on May 14, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

A truly excellent attorney well respected in the legal community. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible.

Mary Gurganus, Child custody Attorney on May 1, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. He is very knowledgeable and his legal advice is excellent.

Dorothea Laster, Family Attorney on Apr 25, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Attorney Rich is sensitive, compassionate and knowledgeable. I endorse this lawyer.

Jeffrey Stinson, Real estate Attorney on Mar 13, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse Mr. Rich. His contributions are insightful and accurate.

John Phillips, Personal injury Attorney on Dec 16, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Lawyers who serve the avvo community as much as Mr. Rich are few and far between. It takes passion, concern and dedication to devote so much time. You have my endorsement and kudos.

Kevin Burke, Immigration Attorney on Oct 18, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Estela Matta, Divorce and separation Attorney on Sep 30, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Child abuse is a particularly difficult practice area, so there is much to be lauded in a lawyer that dedicates his practice to it. Experienced and knowledgeable--I endorse this lawyer.

Cost

RATES
  • Hourly Rates$180-$330/hour
  • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs15 minutes
PAYMENT METHODS

Cash, Check, Credit Card

Avvo Rating

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