Denise M. Shear, Attorney

I was admitted to the practice of law in Massachusetts on December 17, 1999 and to the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts on April 25, 2000.  I am a licensed attorney in good standing.  I am Board Certified in Consumer Bankruptcy Law by the American Board of Certification.  This certification means that I have met the qualifications of that organization for being considered a specialist in the area of consumer bankruptcy law. 

I received my undergraduate degree, Summa Cum Laude (with highest honors) from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1996, where I was a Wesleyan Scholar.  I received my J.D. (Law) Degree, cum laude (with honors), from Roger Williams University School of Law in 1999, where I served a term as Vice President of the Women's Law Caucus.  I received the CALI Excellence For the Future Award in bankruptcy.

In February, 2000, I joined Ostrander Law Office as an associate attorney.  Since that time, I have concentrated in consumer bankruptcy law and debtor/creditor representation.  I represent individuals and small businesses in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases.  In 2006, I was selected to serve on the Massachusetts Local Bankruptcy Rules committee.  This committee meets quarterly with the Chief Judge of the Bankruptcy Court, as well as another bankruptcy judge, to discuss and propose changes to the Local Rules that would facilitate bankruptcy practice throughout the District Of Massachusetts.  I have served as a speaker at several bankruptcy law seminars.   I am a member of the Hampshire County, Hampden County, and Massachusetts Bar Associations, the American Bankruptcy Institute and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys.