Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
See more
Pros
1
Highly knowledgeable and skilled attorney in special education law
“Laura Gillis is appropriately fierce and easy to work with. The "onboarding process" as a client was seamless and I received a timely appointment. Laura reviewed our documents thoroughly and was well prepared for our first meeting. She is definitely a subject matter expert with the IEP process and special education testing protocols and results.”
2
Effective in advocating for the client's needs and getting desirable outcomes
“Laura won't baby you, she is absolutely professional, a master of education laws and able to address all areas of concern seamlessly. I am beyond happy with the results of our meetings and where we stand at this point with my son.”
3
Responsive and dedicated to her clients
“Laura and her team was simply amazing. Answer ALL emails and phone calls regardless of time of day or night. She called me at 8:50pm one night just because she remembered something that I had to do that following day.”
4
Honest and upfront communication
“Laura is honest and explains everything in a way we could understand. She made us feel like we were her only client and always had our best interests at heart.”
5
Able to navigate complex school systems and processes effectively
“She cut through the BS and called out the school on many issues. She also is no-nonsense with us, she tells it like it is and has a game plan, no flowery language or false promises - just what she can do for us and how to do it.”
Cons
As a result of the analysis of reviews about this lawyer, no significant cons were found.

All reviews

star star star star star
03 Aug, 2021 by Amy
If you are looking for an attorney that specializes in special education, look no further! Attorney Laura Gillis and her staff are very professional, responsible, prompt, and respectful. Laura is honest and explains everything in a way we could understand. She made us feel like we were her only client and always had our best interests at heart. Attorney Gillis knows the law and is top notch. Highly recommend!!! She and her staff are the absolute best.
star star star star star
12 Mar, 2021 by Courtney
Laura Gillis is appropriately fierce and easy to work with. The “onboarding process” as a client was seamless and I received a timely appointment. Laura reviewed our documents thoroughly and was well prepared for our first meeting. She is definitely a subject matter expert with the IEP process and special education testing protocols and results. In addition, she helped identify the appropriate third party resources to support our family. I would highly recommend working with Laura for anyone wanting to help their children in their academic journey.
star star star star star
03 Mar, 2021 by Mark
Laura was exactly the right person for us. She is direct and let us know the facts and the situation without sugar-coating. Her depth of knowledge in her area is terrific, and the opinions she gave were very helpful even when they were not what we hoped for. She was able to get us an excellent outcome.
star star star star star
11 Feb, 2021 by Jen
Laura was the voice of calm and reason, guiding us through the often confusing and emotionally charged process of seeking alternative school placement for our teen daughter. She was very knowledgeable on each step/option and communication with her office was seamless. Her knowledge of the ins and outs of the special ed system and her relationships within the field allowed her to offer us realistic expectations for how everything would proceed and what we might expect in terms of accommodations. We could not be more thrilled with the outcome of our daughter's placement or more grateful for Laura's aid in getting us here!
star star star star star
28 Nov, 2019 by Cheryl
We worked with Laura Gillis recently and were very impressed with how thoroughly, efficiently, and quickly she handled the case. She has amazing follow-through and excellent communication skills. You are never left wondering where you stand. I would highly recommend Gillis Law to any family seeking an education attorney.
See more

Best lawyers in Topsfield, MA

See more
star star star star star
14 Jul, 2024 by K.m. p.
Google Maps
star star star star star
15 Apr, 2024 by J coston
I am extremely pleased with the services I received from Dwayne. I required a Trust and Will for my Estate Plan. Dwayne was knowledgeable and professional from the first consultation to the closing. He did an amazing job overviewing and explaining my Trust options. When I had additional questions, he was patient and provided detailed explanations. The entire process was completed within weeks. If I require an estate lawyer in the future, I will be using Dwayne again. I would highly recommend him for any Estate Planning services needed.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
11 Jan, 2024 by Jamiah jackson
Dwayne pennant represented me in my case and he was very helpful and supportive throughout the whole process, I highly recommend his representation and I wouldn’t choose any other lawyer to represent me ! I really appreciate him getting me to great a settlement! Thank you again I appreciate your representation!
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
09 Dec, 2016 by Leslie
“I retained Doug Watson on a referral from a friend and it’s one of the best decisions I ever made. Doug has an honest, pragmatic and practical style that helped me understand and navigate the court system. He recognizes opportunities, is extremely professional, well-spoken and most importantly- tenacious. I have already referred Doug Watson to others in need.” I wouldn’t walk into the courtroom without him!” -L.G.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
06 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
I highly recommend Douglas Watson. He has been a strong and caring advocate for the various legal situations I've been faced with. He has helped immensely with apartment leases for our children, home purchases for us. Mr. Watson also sensitively assisted my 90-year-old mother through complicated estate planning; his creative and vast understanding of the law is balanced by a common sense knowledge of human behavior.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
14 Jul, 2024 by K.m. p.
Google Maps
star star star star star
15 Apr, 2024 by J coston
I am extremely pleased with the services I received from Dwayne. I required a Trust and Will for my Estate Plan. Dwayne was knowledgeable and professional from the first consultation to the closing. He did an amazing job overviewing and explaining my Trust options. When I had additional questions, he was patient and provided detailed explanations. The entire process was completed within weeks. If I require an estate lawyer in the future, I will be using Dwayne again. I would highly recommend him for any Estate Planning services needed.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
11 Jan, 2024 by Jamiah jackson
Dwayne pennant represented me in my case and he was very helpful and supportive throughout the whole process, I highly recommend his representation and I wouldn’t choose any other lawyer to represent me ! I really appreciate him getting me to great a settlement! Thank you again I appreciate your representation!
Read more Google Maps
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers

What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer?

Hiring the right lawyer is crucial for the success of your case. Here are some important questions to ask during your initial consultation:

  1. What experience do you have with cases similar to mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in the specific area of law pertaining to your case.
  2. How do you charge for your services, and what are the estimated costs?
    Understand the fee structure, including hourly rates, flat fees, retainer fees, and any additional expenses.
  3. Who will be handling my case?
    Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally or delegate tasks to other attorneys or paralegals.
  4. What is your approach to resolving cases like mine?
    Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
  5. What potential outcomes can I expect?
    While no lawyer can guarantee results, they can provide an assessment of possible scenarios based on their experience.
  6. How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
    Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times.
  7. What is the expected timeline for my case?
    Get an estimate of how long the process may take from start to finish.
  8. Do you have references from past clients?
    Testimonials or references can provide insight into the lawyer's professionalism and effectiveness.
  9. What challenges do you foresee in my case?
    Understanding potential obstacles helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations.
  10. Are there alternative ways to resolve my legal issue?
    Discuss options like mediation, arbitration, or settlement to resolve the issue efficiently.

Can a Lawyer Represent Me in Courts Outside of Topsfield, Massachusetts?

Whether a lawyer can represent you in courts outside of your city or state depends on their licensure and the jurisdiction of the court:

  • Within the Same State:
    Lawyers licensed in a particular state can typically practice anywhere within that state, including all cities and counties. They can represent you in both state and federal courts located in that state.
  • Outside of Their Licensed State:
    If your case is in a different state, the lawyer must be licensed in that state to represent you. However, there are exceptions:
    • Pro Hac Vice Admission: An out-of-state lawyer can request special permission to represent a client in a specific case in another state. This requires filing a motion with the court and often working in conjunction with a local attorney.
    • Federal Courts: If your case is in federal court, a lawyer licensed in any state may be able to represent you, provided they are admitted to practice in that particular federal court.
  • International Representation:
    For cases outside the United States, different rules apply, and the lawyer may need to comply with the foreign country's legal requirements or collaborate with local counsel.

It's important to discuss your specific situation with the lawyer to determine if they can represent you in the desired jurisdiction and what steps may be necessary to do so.

How to Check the Credibility of a Lawyer

Before hiring a lawyer, it's crucial to verify their credibility and ensure they're qualified to handle your case:

  • Verify Their License:
    Check with your state's bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing. Most state bar websites have an online directory for this purpose.
  • Experience and Specialization:
    Ensure the lawyer specializes in the area of law relevant to your case. Review their website, professional profiles, and case history.
  • Disciplinary Record:
    Look up any history of disciplinary actions or complaints through the state bar association's records.
  • Client Reviews and Testimonials:
    Read reviews on legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, Google, or Yelp to gauge client satisfaction and experiences.
  • Professional Memberships:
    Membership in professional organizations or specialty bar associations can indicate a commitment to their field and adherence to high ethical standards.
  • Awards and Recognitions:
    Honors from reputable organizations reflect expertise and a positive reputation in the legal community.
  • Consultation Assessment:
    Use the initial consultation to evaluate their communication skills, responsiveness, and willingness to address your concerns.
  • Ask for References:
    A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients who can speak to their abilities and professionalism.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most of your initial meeting with a lawyer, come prepared with:

  • Relevant Documents:
    Bring all documents related to your case, such as:
    • Contracts or agreements
    • Correspondence (emails, letters, texts)
    • Legal notices or court papers
    • Financial records (if applicable)
    • Evidence (photos, videos, receipts)
  • Written Summary:
    Prepare a concise written summary of your situation, including key dates, events, and parties involved. This helps the lawyer quickly understand the context.
  • List of Questions:
    Write down any questions you have about your case, the legal process, fees, or the lawyer's experience.
  • Financial Information:
    If your case involves financial matters, bring relevant documents like pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, or invoices.
  • Contact Information:
    Provide details of any witnesses or other parties relevant to your case, including their names and contact information.
  • Personal Identification:
    Bring a valid photo ID for verification purposes.
  • Pen and Notebook:
    Take notes during the consultation to remember important points discussed.
  • Budget Constraints:
    Be ready to discuss your budget and any financial limitations so the lawyer can provide appropriate guidance on fees and payment options.
  • Openness and Honesty:
    Be prepared to discuss your case candidly. Full disclosure allows the lawyer to give accurate advice and anticipate potential challenges.
Scroll to top