I’ve practiced family law for the duration of legal career. I consider it my professional mission to help my clients navigate the legal process, using the tools I’ve accumulated over the last 15 years. Together, my clients and I build the framework for the next stage of their lives. I see my role as principled advocate, stalwart defender and calming presence.
I represent clients in all aspects of family law including complaints for divorce, modification and removal, complaints for civil and criminal contempt, preparation of prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements, and paternity proceedings. In addition to trying cases, I am a trained mediator able to assist couples with the negotiation of separation agreements. I have significant experience advising clients about the division of complex marital estates, including business valuations. I served on the Taskforce that drafted the 2017 Child Support Guidelines and am able to assist clients with the negotiation of a child support and alimony obligations. As President Elect of the Massachusetts Association of Family and Conciliator Courts, I am able to connect my clients with therapists and other experts who can advise on difficult parenting issues, or, development of a parenting plan that is tailored to meet each child’s specific needs.
In 2018, after 13 years of rewarding practice at the general practice law firm Grindle Robinson LLP, I opened Clapp Family Law, LLC, a firm dedicated entirely to the resolution of complex family law matters. Our office is located in Wellesley Massachusetts, close to Routes 95 and the Massachusetts Turnpike, and, walking distance from the Wellesley Hills Commuter Rail. I continue to assist clients who residing in Norfolk, Middlesex, Suffolk, Worcester, Essex, and Plymouth Counties.
I received my BA from Hiram College in 2000 and my Juris Doctorate from American University Washington College of Law in 2003. Despite selecting AU for its international law program, I found my calling in another area of the law: I graduated with a concentration in family law.
I have been recognized by my peers in Massachusetts and nationally. I am listed in the 2013 - 2020 editions of Best Lawyers in America, a respected national peer review guide. I have been recognized by my colleagues as a Super Lawyer Rising Star from 2010 – 2013 and as a Super Lawyer from 2014 – 2020. I am the former Chair of the Massachusetts Bar Association’s Family Law Section Council and continue to be active on this board, providing me with the opportunity to stay on the cutting edge of developments within the practice of family law, and, on the forefront of advocating for clients through proposed legislation.
When I’m not working, you’ll find me traveling, gardening, cooking, or walking on the beach. I love to spend time with my family and friends. I believe in fostering connections through handwritten notes, a glass of wine the garden at golden hour, or cooking Sunday supper for all the friends who can fit around the table. I travel as often as I can. I’ve been as far away as Zimbabwe and I travel to Paris annually. And, as a Midwesterner, I never tire of going to the beach, even on cold gray days!
Practice areas
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
MA | Active | 2003 | 02/22/2022 |
Legal answers | 0 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2020 |
Best Lawyers in America | Best Lawyers in America | 2020 |
Best Lawyers in America | Best Lawyers in America | 2019 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2019 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2018 |
Best Lawyers in America | Best Lawyers in America | 2018 |
Best Lawyers in America | Best Lawyers in America | 2017 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2017 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2016 |
Best Lawyers in America | Best Lawyers in America | 2016 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2015 |
Best Lawyers in America | Best Lawyers in America | 2015 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2014 |
Best Lawyers in America | Best Lawyers in America | 2014 |
Super Lawyer Rising Star | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2013 |
Best Lawyers in America | Best Lawyers in America | 2013 |
Super Lawyer Rising Star | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2012 |
Super Lawyer Rising Star | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2011 |
Super Lawyer Rising Star | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2010 |
Volunteer Recognition Award | Massachusetts Bar Association | N/A |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Owner | Clapp Family Law, LLC | 2018 - Present |
Attorney | Grindle Robinson, LLP | 2005 - 2018 |
Judicial Law Clerk | Commonwealth Of Massachusetts Probate & Family Court | 2003 - 2005 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Massachusetts Inn of Court | Member | 2010 - 2020 |
Massachusetts Bar Association | Former Chair | 2007 - 2017 |
Massachusetts Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts | President | 2006 - 2020 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
American University, Washington College of Law | JD | 2003 |
Hiram College | BA, | 2000 |
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Adam Schanz, Family Attorney on Apr 21, 2020
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I referred a very important and time-sensitive family law matter to Attorney Clapp. She promptly responded and was able to quickly mobilize her team and effectively work towards what was ultimately a very favorable outcome. She is tough and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend her.
Laura Gibbs, Family Attorney on Apr 21, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Jenny for over ten years. We have been opposing counsel on numerous cases over the years involving complex financial matters and complicated custody/parenting disputes. Jenny is an excellent advocate who protects her clients' interests. She is also a skilled mediator. She is intelligent, compassionate and a creative problem-solver.
Adam Schanz, Family Attorney on Apr 21, 2020
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I referred a very important and time-sensitive family law matter to Attorney Clapp. She promptly responded and was able to quickly mobilize her team and effectively work towards what was ultimately a very favorable outcome. She is tough and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend her.
Laura Gibbs, Family Attorney on Apr 21, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Jenny for over ten years. We have been opposing counsel on numerous cases over the years involving complex financial matters and complicated custody/parenting disputes. Jenny is an excellent advocate who protects her clients' interests. She is also a skilled mediator. She is intelligent, compassionate and a creative problem-solver.
Jared Wood, Family Attorney on Mar 16, 2015
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I have had a couple of cases against Attorney Clapp. She is sharp, ethical, and an excellent advocate for her clients.
Rackham Karlsson, Family Attorney on Sep 27, 2013
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Attorney Clapp represented the opposing party in a restraining order case I worked on. Despite the tremendous animosity between our respective clients, she acted with the utmost decorum and professionalism. Based on this experience, I would recommend her to anybody seeking representation in a family law matter.
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