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Jennifer R. Clapp

Family Attorney at Wellesley, MA

5.0   14 reviews
  • Licensed for 19 years
    State MA
    Acquired 2003
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

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

About Jennifer

Learn Jennifer’s areas of practice.

1
Practice area

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!

 

Contact Jennifer

Similar lawyers nearby

Clapp Family Law LLC
380 Washington Street - Suite 300
Wellesley, MA, 02481

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  14 customer reviews
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Posted by anonymous | October 21, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The best.
Jennifer is the absolute best family law attorney out there. She puts your kids and you first, and is fair, trustworthy and helpful throughout the entire process. She serves as a part-time therapist through the most difficult process. She made great recommendations on custody schedules and financial concessions that I am grateful for every day.
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Posted by anonymous | May 10, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Ethical and highly effective
I highly recommend attorney Clapp. I had hired other attorneys in a long complicated custody case before her, and she was the first one who showed that she cared about what happen to the child. She is highly professional, knowledgeable and efficient, but even more importantly for me, she has high ethical values, is honest, and compassionate. Communication has always been very fluid, she listens and provides very useful advice.
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Posted by Madeleine | April 23, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Strongly recommend
I highly recommend Jenny Clapp as a top family attorney. She has been representing me for about 5 years now. During that time, she has demonstrated not only her strong legal knowledge, but also her ability to adapt to my unique international situation. She has shown that she is capable of thinking outside the box to tackle any issue that is sent her way. Her work ethics combined with her genuine caring of my situation have been instrumental in ensuring that she obtains the best results for me and my family. I could not have asked for a better ally to traverse a difficult situation and obtain great results.
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Posted by Elizabeth | April 22, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Jennifer Clapp Review
Jennifer was recommended to me three years ago when I was suddenly and unexpectedly involved in a divorce that required me to seek legal representation. Jennifer came “highly recommended” as an exceptional practitioner of family law through a close family friend who is also a lawyer with extensive legal experience in the Greater Boston area. Having both legal and social work experience, Jennifer showed professionalism, responsiveness, competence, and compassion throughout the divorce process. Jennifer was regularly able to put me at ease during what was a stressful and unhappy event. In the three years since, whenever I have needed Jennifer’s help with issues surrounding my divorce agreement she has continued to provide the same level of fantastic service with all the professionalism, responsiveness, competence, and compassion as she has from the beginning. As far as I am concerned, Jennifer Clapp will always be the person I turn to for any of my family law needs.
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Posted by GORDON | April 22, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional Review!
During this last 12 months or so I engaged Ms. Clapp to defend me in a contested Alimony Contempt Case in the Family Court of Middelsex County (MA). She was extremely professional, very knowledgeable and a compassionate but firm negotiator! She had a keen understanding of all the "math" which was needed to carry this case to a successful conclusion! I highly recommend Jennifer Clapp, Esq.!! Gordon !
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Posted by Peter | April 21, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Better than I could have imagined
She listened. She thought carefully. She kept me from being stubborn and digging in on trivial things. She was fast thinking on her feet. She was responsive beyond belief. I got a much better deal, and and grateful that she was on my side of the table, instead of across from me. And she was fun to work with.
Posted by Sarah | April 17, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Incredibly knowledgable and supportive
Jenny was a huge support to me throughout my divorce. She was funny and kind but also showed tremendous strength and poise in our 4 way meetings and court appearance. This was challenging given the demeanor of the other participants, but Jenny never let that change her professionalism. She provided good advice in all phases of the process and continues to be a resource as needed.
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Posted by anonymous | April 16, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Ms.
Hiring Attorney Clapp was one of the best decisions I have ever made. She fought to obtain a fair divorce settlement for me and supported me as I began a new life after 43 years of marriage. She was, and undoubtedly continues to be, a professional who was always available to consult with, to answer questions and to offer support and encouragement as I navigated through the challenges of a difficult and emotional divorce. I can’t begin to say enough about Attorney Clapp’s work ethic and dedication. I highly recommend her to anyone in need of a gifted litigator.
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Posted by Erik | April 15, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing advocate for YOU in the separation process
Jenny Clapp is an amazing lawyer who is extremely experienced, knowledgeable, and empathic in guiding one through the process of separation and divorce. If you are getting divorced, more than anything you will need someone who knows the law. Jenny knows the law. She helped me through a difficult time with empathy, and was the strong advocate that I needed to protect my interests. I would recommend her services to anyone who is in need of legal services or advice in the separation process, regardless of the degree of contentiousness of the situation.
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Posted by randy | April 15, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Jen is one a kind......
Getting divorced is one of the most stressful things ever, but a necessary thing ,with a rainbow at the end.......I shopped around for an attorney that I felt connected to....and the first 4-5 were just awful people........I got referred to Jen Clapp from another attorney who was a patient of mine. I immediately felt at home and comfortable with her....like an old friend from high school.... Jen is smart, empathetic, efficient, and hard working....and in the end I was very happy.......except.....I now miss my meetings with her! totally recommended to anyone having to make ,and execute ,this very difficult decision.
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Posted by Jenifer | April 15, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent family attorney
No matter how smooth or amicable a divorce can be, the end of a marriage is still a sad and emotional process. Like many people, I had never been through a divorce before and knew nothing about the process except that we wanted to go the mediation route with the goal of achieving an optimal nesting arrangement for our teenage son. I felt more comfortable working with an experienced female attorney, particularly because my ex's attorney and our mediator were men; I felt it was important to have a seasoned professional with a woman's perspective on my side. Upon first meeting Jen to see if she were a good fit, I could tell she not only knew her stuff, but I appreciated how she took the time to explain and educate me on topics I didn't understand, was warm and understanding, and advocated the best outcome for me while still respecting my wish to avoid unnecessary conflict and acrimony. Despite a busy practice, I was always impressed with Jen's responsiveness and availability, and her attention to thoroughness and detail. Our appointments never felt rushed. To me, divorce felt like an extremely emotional business process, and I appreciated Jen being able to professionally balance her legal expertise with a caring, supportive style. I respect her as an excellent attorney, but also as a wonderful person. I would highly recommend Jen for any family legal matter.
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Posted by Kimberly | April 14, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Painless Prenuptial Agreement
As a woman in my 40s with a career and college-aged children, I feared the process of a prenuptial agreement that my now current (then future) husband requested, would be a difficult and uncomfortable task. The idea of discussing what happens if we were to divorce sounded so distasteful and irrelevant since we were in love. But Jenny walked me through it every step of the way, showing me that ​we could negotiate without being confrontational, and, that by adding certain provisions into the prenuptial agreement it would protect both my husband and me. She demonstrated that entering into prenuptial agreement it was the responsible thing to do for both of us. Were there moments of discomfort? Of course! But she alleviated 99% of it. She also remained a valuable resource after we married for referrals or questions. Five out of five stars. I highly recommend.
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Posted by Gary | April 14, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Recommended
I highly recommend hiring Jenny Clapp to represent you. She is professional, ethical, honest, direct, passionate, compassionate, knowledgeable, respectful, collaborative, trustworthy, peer respected and fair. Jenny represented me in my divorce, and, in a complicated modification trial. I value Jenny's advice and I value the way she listens to the things that are important to me. She has a unique way of combining her legal advice with my goals to formulate a winning strategy. There has not been a single time in my partnership with Jenny that I’ve second guessed my decision to have her represent me...not one.
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Posted by Marianne | March 5, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Recommend without reservation
This is the first time I've written a review online. I was so happy with Jennifer that I feel compelled to do so. I recommend her without reservation. She is kind and very easy to work with, and I have complete confidence in her knowledge base and skills as an attorney.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 395-395 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Owner
  • Clapp Family Law, LLC
  • 2018 - Present
  • Attorney
  • Grindle Robinson, LLP
  • 2005 - 2018
  • Judicial Law Clerk
  • Commonwealth Of Massachusetts Probate & Family Court
  • 2003 - 2005

Education

  • American University, Washington College of Law
  • JD
  • 2003
  • Hiram College
  • BA,
  • 2000

Associations

  • 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

Honors and Awards

  • Best Lawyers in America
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • 2020
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2020
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • 2019
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2019
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • 2018
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2018
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2017
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • 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
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • 2014
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2014
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • Best Lawyers in America
  • 2013
  • Super Lawyer Rising Star
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 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
View all awards

Attorney endorsements

Received (4)
Given (0)
Endorse Jennifer
Family Attorney | Apr 21
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."
Family Attorney | Apr 21
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."
Family Attorney | Mar 16
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."
Family Attorney | Sep 27
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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Wellesley Family Lawyer Jennifer R. Clapp
Jennifer R. Clapp
Family Attorney
Wellesley, MA
Licensed for 19 years