James Michael Baron

James Michael Baron

5.0
Rating: 9.7

Licensed for 18 years

Education Lawyer Practice Areas: Education

About James

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Education 100%

I work with clients at all levels, from pre-K through graduate schools. Typical issues involve students with disabilities and/or disciplinary issues. My goal is to work zealously, yet in a positive and respectful fashion, to ensure that schools provide appropriate services and accommodations, and that my clients' rights are not being violated.

18 years

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 200-250 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 17 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 2008

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Massachusetts for 18 years

State: Massachusetts

Acquired: 2007

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in New Hampshire for 18 years

State: New Hampshire

Acquired: 2007

Active

No misconduct found

Location

No contact information is available for this lawyer

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James Michael Baron's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

26 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (26) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 11 - 15 of 26 reviews

Posted by Julie | June 09, 2015 | Education

A gifted advocate for kids and parents

If you and your child are struggling against an intractable school district that isn't fulfilling it's obligations to help kids who need it, just call Jim. I know this sounds like a advertisement, but it's true. James Baron is truly a caring and calm advocate who helps parents understand their opti...ons and how to go up against the district. He is extremely well-versed in education law, having achieved a Master's degree in education as well as his legal training. He doesn't behave aggressively, but his confident knowledge of right and wrong has a way of getting people's attention without antagonizing them. He helped run interference for us when the district and their lawyer were behaving in an aggressively ignorant way. We think we're very close to the end of this nightmare, and it's all because of Jim. He's calm, unflappable, very effective and very professional. Plus he's just an all-around nice guy. I highly recommend him to anyone.

Posted by Kristen | January 29, 2015 | Education

Thank you!

We have a six year old diagnosed Autism Spectrum son, with side diagnosis of ADHD and other sensory and processing issues. We spent the last three years battling with almost everyone telling us he was mis-diagnosed and we were wrong. We hired two advocates; however nice persons they were, it did no...t get the job done we needed. Within a few months, Attorney Baron met with us, reassured us, assisted in organizing us and got us what was needed, required and legally ours from the public school system. Since this time our son is still receiving services and the school wants to provide more willingly. It is sad we had to resort to this measure; We did everything we were told to; everything professional Dr.s told us to, and he was re-evaluated 4-5 times diagnosed each time. Not only did we feel comfortable with Attorney Baron but his own life story and situations allow you to feel how much he cares and wants the best for your child. I understand Advocates are truly needed, and we are following up with one now. However I wish I had originally spoken to Attorney Baron and saved us the time, money and stress the school caused before we hired him. Until the schools and other recognize these children and trust the parents who are heartfully advocating for their well being, I would highly recommend Attorney Baron. We continue to speak to him and have him monitor our case to assure our son's highest level of Education is received properly! Thank you Attorney Baron!

Posted by Theresa | August 08, 2013 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Extremely Satisfied Client

James Baron was always professional and courteous. He kept us informed, and immediately returned all of our calls and emails. James understood our needs and worked diligently to resolve our case quickly.

Posted by Sara | March 12, 2012 | Education

Fabulous Special Education Lawyer

Jim was a true gentleman. He was honest and trustworthy and incredibly knowledgeable in the area of special education law. He even sent me emails and called to update me on the situation from his personal vacation. I cannot recommend him enough!

Posted by Lynne | December 08, 2010 | Education

I work with lawyers daily in real estate negotiations, Jim was the right choice.

I had a good feeling about Jim right from the start. My daughter had been struggling with life and school for a couple of years but by the spring of 2010 I had a crisis on my hands. As I researched possible options I came across Jim's website. After spending an hour with him I knew he was the right c...hoice for us. He clearly had the ability to be tenacious but his calm demeanor was disarming. It is one thing to be smart, it's another to be likable, Jim is both. Negotiations with school districts can be adversarial, I felt a combative, unpleasant lawyer would not be helpful. Rather Jim was affable and shrewd in his dealings. I anticipate needing some help with another child down the road and will work with Jim again. I would recommend Jim to any of my friends or family needing assistance with their childs education.

See All Client Reviews

James Michael Baron's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James
Michael P. Gerace headshot
Michael Gerace

General practice lawyer | Sep 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Awesome attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."

Corine K. Claxton headshot
Corine Claxton

Education lawyer | Jul 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I had the pleasure of interviewing James Baron on Mass Law Radio. His knowledge of special education law is impressive. With great detail and clarity, Attorney Baron explained the process parents of special needs students must go through in order to access resources for their children. I endorse this lawyer."

Terri D. Leary headshot
Terri Leary

Education lawyer | Oct 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have consulted with him and confidently refer all education law inquiries to him."

Karla Mansur headshot
Karla Mansur

Education lawyer | May 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Carolan Kiely Hardy headshot
Carolan Hardy

Education lawyer | Feb 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. James and I are members of an attorney group. James despite his solo practice is always there to answer questions and assist others. I recommend this attorney for anyone who needs an attorney for an education matter."

Shani Rea Collymore headshot
Shani Collymore

Education lawyer | Aug 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Baron is well respected by both attorneys and clients in the legal community. It is with great pleasure that I endorse this lawyer."

Travis J. Jacobs headshot
Travis Jacobs

Education lawyer | Jan 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Attorney Baron for several years through an attorney networking group. Attorney Baron has demonstrated he has excellent experience in and knowledge of Education Law. He regularly provides valuable legal advice and suggestions to his colleagues. I would refer any Education Law-related cases to Attorney Baron without hesitation."

Nicholas G. Keramaris headshot
Nicholas Keramaris

Education lawyer | Dec 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jim is my "go to guy" for education law questions. He is highly knowledgeable and also easy to get along with. I fully endorse his work."

Audrey Heidt O'Shaughnessy headshot
Audrey O'Shaughnessy

Education lawyer | Dec 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jim Baron is a colleague and now a friend as well. Jim is professional, intelligent, and kind, and he is a strong advocate for his clients. He has a Masters in education in addition to his law degree, which gives him a unique and valuable perspective for his cases. Jim is passionate about his practice, and I endorse him without reservations."

John Patrick Kirwan headshot
John Kirwan

Education lawyer | Oct 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

Richard B. Kell headshot
Richard Kell

Education lawyer | Oct 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"As a professional colleague, I know that Jim is a highly experienced and knowledgeable education law attorney. I recently had the opportunity to attend one of his seminars and can personally attest to his level of expertise. Jim is not only extremely dedicated to serving his clients, he is also committed to educating other attorneys in his field of practice. I would recommend Jim wholeheartedly to anyone in need of his services."

Kimberly Bova headshot
Kimberly Bova

Education lawyer | Oct 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James works hard for the Children and Families of this community. I would refer my family and friends as well as clients to James for his services."

Jennifer L. DiCarlo headshot
Jennifer DiCarlo

Education lawyer | Oct 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"It is with great pleasure that I endorse this attorney's work. In fact, I have referred potential clients to Attorney Baron because I trust that he will be able to provide them with the necessary guidance to resolve their education law related issues. Upon speaking with Attorney Baron, his expertise and genuine interest in this area of the law is quite evident as is the fact that he cares a great deal for his clients."

Shanda Rae Kirkwood Tinney headshot
Shanda Tinney

Education lawyer | Aug 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jim Baron is an excellent attorney. He knows the law and is able to help clients navigate the legal system with compassion and concern."

Jonas A Jacobson headshot
Jonas Jacobson

Education lawyer | Aug 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I refer clients in need of special education services to Jim Baron from time to time. He has a good reputation in Boston."

Gabriel Cheong headshot
Gabriel Cheong

Education lawyer | Apr 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've known Jim for several years now through various attorney groups and interactions. In my dealings with him and conversations with Jim, I've found him to be engaging and thorough in his work with his clients. He's dedicated to defending parents, children, and students who get caught up in the educational system and he fights hard to defend them. I endorse Jim Baron as a terrific education lawyer."

Lillian Elisabeth Wong headshot
Lillian Wong

Education lawyer | Apr 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

View All Endorsements
Michael M Kaplan headshot
Michael Kaplan

Personal injury lawyer

Daniel S. Perlman headshot
Daniel Perlman

Education lawyer

Shani Rea Collymore headshot
Shani Collymore

Estate planning lawyer

Travis J. Jacobs headshot
Travis Jacobs

General practice lawyer

John Patrick Kirwan headshot
John Kirwan

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Richard B. Kell headshot
Richard Kell

Family lawyer

Jennifer L. DiCarlo headshot
Jennifer DiCarlo

Landlord or tenant lawyer

Jonas A Jacobson headshot
Jonas Jacobson

Business lawyer

Shanda Rae Kirkwood Tinney headshot
Shanda Tinney

Family lawyer

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Gabriel Cheong

Divorce and separation lawyer

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Audrey O'Shaughnessy

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Lillian Wong

Education lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.7 (Superb)

Honors

2014

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2013

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2012

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2012

Client's Choice Award, Avvo

2011

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2010

Make New Friends Award, Girl Scouts

Work Experience

2007 - Present

Attorney at Law, Law Office of James M. Baron

Associations

2010 - Present

GWARC (Greater Waltham Arc)

Board Member

2010 - Present

SPAN (Special Needs Advocacy Network)

Member

2008 - Present

COPAA (Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates)

Member

2007 - Present

Massachusetts Bar Association

Member

2005 - Present

Temple Beth Israel

Vice President

2003 - Present

Waltham Community Foundation

Board of Directors

1990 - Present

Temple Beth Israel

Board of Directors

2011 - 2012

American Bar Association

Member

2003 - 2009

Waltham Community Foundation

Past President

Sample of Legal Cases

Student v. Belmont Public Schools

Student with high functioning autism was found eligible for special education services

See More Legal Cases

Education

2007

Suffolk University Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1990

Emmanuel College

M.Ed.

1985

Brandeis University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2012

How to Start and Run a Solo Practice

How to Start and Run a Solo Practice

2011

Visions of Community

Special Education Law: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2011

How to Start and Run a Solo Practice

How to Start and Run a Solo Practice

2010

MCLE School Law School Law

2010

How to Start and Run a Solo Practice

How to Start and Run a Solo Practice

2010

AANE Asperger's Conference Asperger Syndrome and Special Education Law

2009

Brachial Plexus Gathering

504's, IEP's, and Brachial Plexus Injury

2008

Autism and Special Education Law

Autism and Special Education Law

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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