Massachusetts Lawyers

Criminal Defense Law

156 8th St, New Bedford, MA 02740, USA

Attorney John B. Seed has been practicing criminal law in Massachusetts for his entire career, first as a Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney supervising the Brighton District Court and now as a state-wide criminal defense attorney based in New Bedford, MA. He takes pride in giving every one of his clients the same intense focus to details, no matter the charge the client is facing. His years of training and courtroom experience in the areas of criminal law and OUI law have provided him with a unique skill set. Those skills, when combined with his hard working and determined attitude, have contributed to an outstanding record in the courtroom.

Real Estate Law

134 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472

Family and Divorce Law

33 State St, Springfield, MA 01103, USA

There are many practitioners in the legal industry, and I know as a member of the legal profession, the best way in which I can differentiate myself from my peers is through the high quality of my representation and the level of service which I offer to my clients. My philosophy is that I am here for my clients and it should not be the other way around. I strive to service my clients in the most professional and efficient manner from both a time and cost perspective, while ultimately achieving the desired end result. A successful attorney/client relationship is one of trust, hard work, communication, service and accomplishment. By establishing long term relationships with my clients, I am able to give back to each individual.

Elder Law

3 Lan Dr., Suite 101, Westford, MA 01886

Karen B. Johnson is one of the co-founders of Madge & Johnson, PC, a distinguished law firm located in Westford, Massachusetts, that specializes in estate planning and elder law. With a notable educational background, Karen holds a law degree from Duke University School of Law and an advanced degree (LLM) in Taxation from Boston University School of Law. Since 1994, she has been actively practicing law, focusing on Elder Law and Estate Planning. Karen offers a comprehensive range of planning services to her clients, including provisions for incapacity, simple wills, and strategic utilization of estate tax credits for multi-generation families with significant wealth. She guides clients in the effective transfer and protection of their assets, while also assisting them with applications for Medicaid and other government assistance programs. Karen's approach is collaborative and educational, empowering clients to make informed decisions and jointly develop customized plans that suit their specific needs. Recognizing that estate planning requires ongoing attention, she helps clients regularly monitor and adjust their plans. Karen's extensive experience in implementing and defending plans provides her with practical insights into effective provisions and tested strategies. Given the Massachusetts residents' exposure to relatively low estate tax thresholds, Karen's tax background becomes a valuable asset for her clients. She comprehends the interplay between estate planning decisions and future income and estate tax obligations, employing advanced tax planning techniques to mitigate overall tax issues. Apart from her legal practice, Karen is an active advocate for elder law issues. Her advocacy efforts benefit her clients by enhancing her familiarity with government agencies and staying up-to-date with new legislation. For instance, she actively participated in the development of the 2018 BRAVE Act, which expanded benefits and improved access to services for veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families. Karen is a proud member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), a bar association and professional society dedicated to representing seniors and individuals with disabilities. Within the Massachusetts Chapter (MassNAELA), she has held various leadership roles, including Board Member, Secretary, Vice President, and President in 2018. Karen has also served on multiple committees, contributing her expertise to Programs, Publications, Chapter Archives, and Advocacy. As an educator, Karen has shared her knowledge by teaching lawyers how to draft estate plans as an Adjunct Professor at Western New England School of Law, one of the few law schools in the country offering an advanced law degree in Elder Law and Estate Planning. She continues to educate attorneys and the public sector on elder law and estate planning matters through public speaking engagements and classroom teaching. Karen's exceptional work has been recognized, as she has received the Massachusetts Super Lawyer designation consistently from 2015 to the present.

Family and Divorce Law

1 Longfellow Pl #3610, Boston, MA 02114, USA

Karen Sweeney Shea is a highly skilled family law attorney with over 30 years of experience, specializing in complex and high-net-worth divorce litigation, child custody matters, and alternative dispute resolution. A member of McGrath & Kane since 2002, Karen has built a reputation for her thoughtful, strategic approach to family law and her ability to guide clients through even the most challenging legal issues. Karen earned her Juris Doctor degree from Boston College Law School in 1990, following her undergraduate studies at Merrimack College (1986). She began her legal career at the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office, where she gained invaluable courtroom experience before transitioning to private practice. At McGrath & Kane, Karen has developed a deep expertise in complex family law cases, including divorce cases involving substantial financial assets, child custody disputes, modifications, contempt matters, and the negotiation and drafting of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. In addition to her litigation practice, Karen is an experienced mediator and conciliator, successfully resolving private family law matters through alternative dispute resolution methods. She also volunteers her time as a conciliator for various probate and family court conciliation programs, offering her mediation services to help families resolve disputes outside of the courtroom. Karen is also dedicated to advancing the field of family law through education and service. She has authored numerous articles on family law topics and regularly participates as a panelist for Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) seminars and Massachusetts Bar Association Programs. Additionally, Karen serves as an Attorney Representing Children (ARC) and volunteers with several Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) programs in the Probate and Family Courts of Middlesex and Norfolk counties. She also participated in the Lawyer for the Day program, helping individuals navigate through the court system. Recognized for her excellence in family law, Karen has been named a Super Lawyer by Boston Magazine since 2008 and has been listed among the Top Women of Law since 2014. She is an active member of the American Bar Association, Massachusetts Bar Association, Boston Bar Association, and the Greater Boston Family Law Inns of Court.