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Michael L Rich
About Michael
Biography
I practice Children's and Family Law, concentrating in child abuse and neglect defense, DCF, 51As, investigations, family assessments, fair hearings, 30A appeals of fair hearings, care and protections, termination of parental rights, guardianships, adoptions, CRAs, students' rights, special education, school discipline, and expulsion. Consultant and staff trainer in child abuse and neglect reporting practices and liability prevention.
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 180-330 per hour
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Massachusetts for 46 years
State: Massachusetts
Acquired: 1979
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office of Michael L. Rich
32 Middlesex Circle, Unit 5, Waltham, MA, 02452
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Michael L Rich's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 15 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Cynthia | September 10, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Fantastic attorney that truly cares!
I have had a wonderful experience with Michael. Not only does Michael have a comprehensive knowledge of child abuse and neglect defense, DCF, 51As, investigations, family assessments, and adoptions, he is really easier to work with and is on the ball. Michael helped me though a very difficult time ...
Posted by Amanda Ellason | December 17, 2016 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Very helpful and very caring and nice
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.
Michael Rich
Replied last December 22, 2016Thanks 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.
Posted by anonymous | March 26, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Mike Rescued Our Family
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...
Michael Rich
Replied last March 29, 2016Thanks 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.
Posted by Andreea | January 19, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Thoroughness, Compassion, Professionalism!
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. ...
Posted by ns | February 8, 2015
Excellent DCF attorney
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 ...
Michael Rich
Replied last February 11, 2015Thanks, 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.
Michael L Rich's Lawyer Endorsements
"Michael is an extremely competent, reasonably-priced lawyer of high ability. You would do well to avail yourself of his services."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is a gentleman and a scholar..."
"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"
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Very thorough and always prepared. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer.I endorse this lawyer. Great source of help with your Family Law concerns!"
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is very knowledgeable and his legal advice is excellent."
"Attorney Rich is sensitive, compassionate and knowledgeable. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Mr. Rich. His contributions are insightful and accurate."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"Mike knows his stuff. He's been dealing with child welfare cases for a long time, and has the expertise which comes with experience."
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Experience
Honors
1980
Reginald Heber Smith Community Lawyer Fellowship, Howard University
1979
Reginald Heber Smith Community Lawyer Fellowship, Howard University
Work Experience
1995 - Present
Mentor, Children and Family Law Program, MA Committee for Public Counsel Services
1982 - Present
Attorney, Law Office of Michael L. Rich
1979 - 1982
Staff Attorney, Northeast Kentucky Legal Services
Associations
2000 - 2013
Restorative Justice Task Team of the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of ChristChair
Education
1979
Northeastern University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1976
City College of the City University of New York
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2013
Experience a Restorative Justice Circle
Restorative Justice
Publications
2007
Arlington Advocate
More on Corporal Punishment Bill
2007
Boston Globe
Assessing impact at DSS
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
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