Law Office of Michael L. Rich32 Middlesex CircleUnit 5Waltham, MA, 02452United States (781) 373-1582 (339) 707-0050 (339) 366-7662

Michael L Rich

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4.9(14)

Avvo Rating8.3

Waltham, MA
Licensed for 42 years
Free consultation

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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

Child abuse: 70%
42 years
Education: 20%
39 years
Guardianship: 4%
29 years
Juvenile law: 3%
42 years
Adoption: 2%
34 years
Family: 1%
42 years

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Law Office of Michael L. Rich

32 Middlesex Circle
Unit 5
Waltham, MA, 02452

The Law Office of Michael L. Rich

Message

Resume

License

State	Status	Acquired	Updated
MA	Active	1979	12/07/2021

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

Avvo Contributions

Legal answers	2592
Legal guides	0

Awards

Award name	Grantor	Date Granted
Reginald Heber Smith Community Lawyer Fellowship	Howard University	1980
Reginald Heber Smith Community Lawyer Fellowship	Howard University	1979

work experience

Title	Company name	Duration
Mentor	Children and Family Law Program, MA Committee for Public Counsel Services	1995 - Present
Attorney	Law Office of Michael L. Rich	1982 - Present
Staff Attorney	Northeast Kentucky Legal Services	1979 - 1982

associations

Association name	Position name	Duration
Restorative Justice Task Team of the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ	Chair	2000 - 2013

publications

Publication name	Title	Date
Arlington Advocate	More on Corporal Punishment Bill	2007
Boston Globe	Assessing impact at DSS	2007

education

School name	Degree	Graduated
Northeastern University School of Law	JD - Juris Doctor	1979
City College of the City University of New York	BA - Bachelor of Arts	1976

speaking engagements

Conference name	Title	Date
Experience a Restorative Justice Circle	Restorative Justice	2013

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Reviews

5.0 stars4.9 (14)

5 Star		93%
4 Star		7%
3 Star		0%
2 Star		0%
1 Star		0%

Review Michael Rich

Mike Rescued Our Family

5.0 stars

Posted by anonymous
March 26, 2016

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.

Thoroughness, Compassion, Professionalism!

5.0 stars

Posted by Andreea
January 19, 2016

Mike was referred by a friend. From the beginning he was very compassionate and caring and understood my case. I can't even describe the scary moments when you get the DSS/DCF call. That is nothing compared to the thorough interview they complete. You will feel like you have no privacy whatsoever. You will feel that your kids can be taken away any minute, for the most stupid and simple reason ever, reported by people that don't even know you. Well, throughout the whole DCF in-person interaction, I always felt safe when Mike was around because I knew I had someone that believed in me and was there to protect my family. I wish no real parent in this world goes through those moments but if you see yourself there, I would not even make a call to DCF without hiring Mike!

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Hired attorney

Excellent DCF attorney

5.0 stars

Posted by ns
February 8, 2015

If you are dealing w/ the DCF at any stage, having Michael by your side will not only bring peace of mind but you will also be ensured of a successful outcome depending on your situation. He is truly a professional. For him clients come first, even when he was on vacation he was making sure to check email and was communicating with us and DCF regarding our case. He navigated our 51A investigation to a successful outcome and was always on top of his game. I would hire him again without reservation and so should you.

Michael Rich's response: Thanks, ns. I am very pleased that we achieved a successful outcome in your case and greatly appreciate your positive review. I must point out that I cannot ensure anyone a successful outcome but will work zealously to try to accomplish that for anyone I represent.

Prompt, relevant & informative help!

5.0 stars

Posted by John S
September 11, 2014

Michael made time to provide me with specific details about interpretation and application of legal statutes surrounding injuries from child abuse that occurred many years ago. His guidance and direction were helpful and enabled me to move forward by following his direction and recommendations. I am grateful to him for his time and outstanding assistance.

5.0 stars

Posted by Mr. & Mrs. N. & D. S.
April 13, 2014

Michael is a true professional. He helped us navigate a 51A to successful closure in a highly complex case. He is very knowledgeable and compassionate and works like a true partner with his clients guiding them to make the right choices and decisions. He is hard working and always on top of things. With Michael on our side, we felt that a successful outcome was guaranteed from day one. Highly recommend hiring him if you are dealing w/ DCF at any stage of the process

5.0 stars

Posted by AMAECHI
August 5, 2012

HE RESCUED ME FROM A WRONGFUL ACCUSATION OF NEGLET OF MY DAUGHTER. HE CLEARED MY NAME BEFORE THE DCF. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM TO ALL.

The Best In the Businesss

5.0 stars

Posted by Beverly
May 23, 2010

After going throug 2 other attorney's, I found Mr. Rich. He has the tenacity of a bull and the integrity to match, yet the cool, brilliance, knowledge and skill that is as wise as a serpent but stings like a bee. I was in an uphill battle after having had misguided counsel and as a result of his hard work and efforts, I won. He knows how to deal effectively with DCF. There is none better. I only wish that I had him on my case from the beginning. He's the best!

5.0 stars

Posted by anonymous
February 28, 2009

My wife and me had the good fortune of being refered to attorney Rich when we were struggling to find representation for a very complicated, interstate family court matter. Due to Michael's expertise, reputation, and collegiate networking, our case was handled quickly, precisely, with results much more easily than we anticipated. We were impressed with the level of respect, empathy, and knowledge Michael demonstrated during the course of our litigation. We highly recommend attorney Rich to anyone seeking compassionate council with a results oriented approach. Neil Mulligan Business Development Specialist

5.0 stars

Posted by anonymous
January 19, 2009

When I was looking for a lawyer, Michael Rich was the only person I found who didn't treat me automatically as scum for having run afoul of DSS. He kept me well informed about my options, respected and listened to my suggestions when I had them, and kept things progressing when I was too overwhelmed to contribute any input. Ultimately, he was able to overturn a DSS decision in court for me. I'm still amazed that anyone could beat a system as stacked as DSS is, but Michael Rich can and did!

5.0 stars

Posted by anonymous
January 13, 2009

It has been great to work with Attorney Michael Rich. He is a consummate professional and I would highly recommend him as legel counsel. He also has a very informative easy to peruse web-site.

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Attorney endorsements

(30)

Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Rahul Aggarwal, Unknown Attorney on Feb 20, 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.

Rahul Aggarwal, Unknown Attorney on Feb 20, 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, Child abuse Attorney on Aug 5, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter

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

Wayne Morrow, Child abuse 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, Education 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, Unknown Attorney on Mar 12, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Gregory Casale, Child abuse Attorney on Apr 20, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Very thorough and always prepared. I endorse this lawyer.

Robert von Dohlen, Family 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, Unknown Attorney on Dec 16, 2014
Relationship: Other

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, Child abuse 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, Adoption Attorney on Jul 13, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

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

I endorse this lawyer.

John O'Brien, Adoption 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 abuse 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, Child abuse Attorney on Apr 25, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

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

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

John Phillips, Unknown 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, Family Attorney on Oct 18, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Estela Matta, Child abuse 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.

E. Golden, Child abuse Attorney on Aug 15, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mike knows his stuff. He's been dealing with child welfare cases for a long time, and has the expertise which comes with experience.

Show recent endorsements

Kevin Seaver
Nancy Dowling
Wayne Morrow
Paul Fortunato
Michael Doland
Michael Agranoff
Gregory Casale
Dorothea Laster
E. Golden

Show who Michael has endorsed

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

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Michael L Rich

About Michael

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Resume

Reviews

Mike Rescued Our Family

5.0 stars

Thoroughness, Compassion, Professionalism!

5.0 stars

Excellent DCF attorney

5.0 stars

Prompt, relevant & informative help!

5.0 stars

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND ATTY. MICHAEL RICH

5.0 stars

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND ATTORNEY MICHAEL L. RICH

5.0 stars

The Best In the Businesss

5.0 stars

Excellence in results, experience, sensitivity & jurisprudence

5.0 stars

Excellent advocate

5.0 stars

Atty. Michael Rich is an honest man with integrity and knowledge

5.0 stars

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