Experienced, client centered attorney
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378 Washington Street
Westwood, MA 02090
After your initial consultation, I will build an individualized plan for the case. We offer payment plans and accept payments by credit card, debit card, cash, check, Venmo, or wire transfer.
Adjunct Professor of Law
Roger Williams University School of Law
2021-present
Bristol, RI
Interim Clinical Supervisor
Boston College Law School Immigration Cliinic
2023-2025
Newton, MA
Bar Advocate
Worcester District Court
2022-2024
Worcester, MA
Attorney/ Owner
Law Office of Melanie Shapiro, LLC
07/01/2014
Massachusetts
Law Clerk
TJC ESQ
2012-2014
Providence, RI
Supreme Court of the United States
2024
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
2021
U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
2014
U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts
2014
Executive Office of Immigration Review
2012
Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts
2012
Roger Williams University School of Law
J.D.
2012
Associations
Honors / Awards
Publications
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
Shapiro, Melanie () “Humanitarian Parole to the United States: The Case of a Gay Man Fleeing Afghanistan,” Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence: Vol. 9: Iss. 2, Article 5.
2024
Melanie Shapiro, Esq. and Donna M. Hughes, Ph.D., Decriminalized Prostitution: Impunity for Violence and Exploitation, 52 Wake Forest L. Rev. 533 ().
2017
Melanie Shapiro, Navigating One-Parent SIJS Cases, VOICE, at 19 ().
2015
Please describe a case in the last year or two where you made a big difference.
There are several memorable cases. One that stands out is that I was able to get a green card for a woman who, for over 20 years, was terrified to take any action regarding her legal status. She entered the U.S. with a fake visa, married a U.S. citizen, and built her life here. She was able not only to get her green card but also to travel back to Brazil and see her mother for the first time in decades. I've won many asylum cases where, if we lost, the client would likely be killed in their country. Recently, I won a motion for a new trial in Superior Court, vacating guilty pleas from the 1990s that otherwise made my client deportable.
How did you build a successful practice?
It is important to be authentic, connect with clients in meaningful ways, build a strong team, and be fully dedicated to your mission. My mission is holistic, compassionate lawyering. I care deeply about my clients and securing the best results. Often, these cases are high-stakes and stressful. I practice trauma-informed lawyering, keep up to date on recent policies, case law, and developments, and ensure that my team is also educated on them. Teamwork, hard work, passion, and a client-centered approach help create a successful practice.
What should clients look for in a lawyer?
Clients should look for an attorney knowledgeable about the case type, whom they trust and with whom they feel comfortable.
How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?
It is very important. Having experience with the judges, courts, and agencies involved in the case makes the case run more smoothly and allows me to better anticipate any challenges my client may face and to provide clear expectations.
What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?
I generally do not do free consultations. It is important to spend the time necessary to review documents and conduct a thorough assessment of the case. Everyone's circumstances are different. Case law, policies, and facts are highly important to consider when I create an individualized strategy for a prospective client. My consultations are 45 minutes long, so I have the time needed to provide accurate, detailed recommendations.
What information do you need in a free phone consultation?
For a first consultation, my office sends a questionnaire to gather the information and requests the documents needed to make the most of our initial consultation time. This helps us have a productive consultation.
What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?
My slogan is "holistic, compassionate lawyering." My approach is tailored to the individual. I practice trauma-informed lawyering and collaborate with a network of clinicians, attorneys, and social service organizations to address not just the matter at hand but also to treat the whole person. If there are other issues that need attention beyond the case the client has come to me for, I work to direct them to other services or address other present legal issues.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Seeing my clients succeed, be happy, and move past whatever issue brought them to me.
What are your other interests in addition to law?
Painting, nature, gardening, horseback riding, pickleball, tennis, music, and playing guitar.
Are you involved in your community?
Yes. I serve as a mentor for students interested in law, from high school through law school. I volunteer my time to educate the community on legal issues. I am also involved in art organizations.
Melanie Shapiro has been a Premium Member since December 15, 2020.
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