Michael L Rich

Michael L Rich

4.9
Rating: 8.3

Licensed for 46 years

Child abuse Lawyer at Waltham, MA
Practice Areas: Child Abuse, Education, Guardianship ... +3 more

32 Middlesex Circle, Unit 5, Waltham, MA

About Michael

Biography

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

Child Abuse 70%

46 years

70%
Education 20%

43 years

20%
Guardianship 4%

33 years

4%
Juvenile Law 3%

46 years

3%
Adoption 2%

38 years

2%
Family 1%

46 years

1%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 15 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 180-330 per hour

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Massachusetts for 46 years

State: Massachusetts

Acquired: 1979

Active

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

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

15 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (15) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | Family

Posted by anonymous | March 29, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Family

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... 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.

Michael Rich

Replied last March 29, 2016

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.

Posted by Andreea | January 19, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Family

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. ...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!

Posted by Beverly | May 24, 2010 | Family

The Best In the Businesss

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 ha...rd 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!

Posted by anonymous | March 05, 2009 | Family

Excellence in results, experience, sensitivity & jurisprudence

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 mo...re 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

Posted by anonymous | January 08, 2009 | Family

Attorney Michael L. Rich, MA DSS Case, Client Review

Michael L. Rich, Esq. is recommended in the highest degree possible. Our family came to Mike Rich by way of recommendation both through research and word of mouth. Attorney Rich represented us in a matter involving The Dept. of Social Services (MA), and our family. Being unfamiliar with, unaccustomed... to "the system" we were very concerned, and had a feeling of of being small and powerless versus a system that was leviathan. Not only did Attny. Michael Rich inform us of and vigorously represent and defend our rights, he did so with greatest degree of professional skill combined with a principiled personal touch that gave us relief and security, and a position of justice. Attorney Rich kept in regular communication with us, kept us entirely informed regarding all matters, including options, costs, and case history in such matters pertinent to our case. And Attny Rich did so in a timely, responsive way. Our case was resolved to our satisfaction, justly, in a reasonable time frame.

See All Client Reviews

Michael L Rich's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Rahul Aggarwal headshot
Rahul Aggarwal

Unknown lawyer | Feb 20

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 Patrick Seaver headshot
Kevin Seaver

Child abuse lawyer | Dec 02

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 Marie Dowling headshot
Nancy Dowling

Child abuse lawyer | Aug 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

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

Wayne L Morrow headshot
Wayne Morrow

Child abuse lawyer | May 26

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 Charles Doland headshot
Michael Doland

Education lawyer | Aug 04

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 K Lassen headshot
John Lassen

Unknown lawyer | Mar 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Gregory Casale headshot
Gregory Casale

Child abuse lawyer | Apr 20

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Very thorough and always prepared. I endorse this lawyer."

Robert Werner von Dohlen headshot
Robert von Dohlen

Family lawyer | Jan 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Judd S Nemiro headshot
Judd Nemiro

Unknown lawyer | Dec 16

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 headshot
Sean Cleary

Child abuse lawyer | Sep 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Hovanes Margarian headshot
Hovanes Margarian

Adoption lawyer | Jul 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Seth S. Gaskins headshot
Seth Gaskins

Family lawyer | Jun 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

John M O'Brien headshot
John O'Brien

Adoption lawyer | May 14

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 Jean Gurganus headshot
Mary Gurganus

Child abuse lawyer | May 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Dorothea Elaine Laster headshot
Dorothea Laster

Child abuse lawyer | Apr 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Jeffrey T. Stinson headshot
Jeffrey Stinson

Unknown lawyer | Mar 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

John Michael Phillips headshot
John Phillips

Unknown lawyer | Dec 16

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 Michael Burke headshot
Kevin Burke

Family lawyer | Oct 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Estela Matta headshot
Estela Matta

Child abuse lawyer | Sep 30

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. Alexandra Golden headshot
E. Golden

Child abuse lawyer | Aug 15

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."

View All Endorsements
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Howard Lewis

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Child custody lawyer

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Mary Rogers

Appeals lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.3 (Excellent)

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 Christ

Chair

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

2007

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution