Vicki L. Shemin, J.D., LICSW, ACSW

Super Lawyer, Top-Rated National Family Law Attorney, Mediator, Collaborative Lawyer & Parenting Coordinator

Vicki L. Shemin, J.D., LICSW, ACSW, a partner at Fields and Dennis LLP, has been consistently recognized on a national and state level for showing dedication, compassion, leadership and excellence in family law and alternative dispute resolution. In 2018, Vicki received a prestigious recognition when she was named one of the “Top Women of Law in Massachusetts.” In that same year, she was also named “Super Lawyer” and has been accorded that coveted honor through 2021.  She has also been recognized as one of the “Top Attorneys in New England,”  a “Top Ten Attorney in Family Law in Massachusetts” and a “Top Rated Lawyer: Women Leaders in the Law.”

With her dual-degrees in law and clinical social work, Attorney Shemin is distinctively well-suited to offer clients an array of dispute resolution options including mediation, collaborative law, settlement negotiations, parenting coordination, divorce consultation and coaching, guardian ad litem evaluative opinions, premarital and postnuptial agreements – and she even has a subspecialization in handling cases for those interested in working on “agreements to stay married.”

Attorney Shemin’s combined 38 years of clinical and domestic relations expertise offers clients a “best of both worlds” approach to case resolution. With her extensive background in child development and her knowledge and understanding of the psychodynamics of divorce and the reconstitution of the nuclear family, she is exceptionally well-equipped to assist transitioning families with developing optimal co-parenting plans, telling children about divorce, and handling inevitable disagreements that parents will face long after the ink is dry on their divorce agreements. Attorney Shemin is noted for her ability to handle the most challenging high-conflict cases and to “think outside the box” (even where domestic violence has been part of the family history) by developing creative solutions uniquely crafted to each client’s particular circumstances.

Having been retained as a domestic relations practitioner in hundreds of cases involving complex financial, legal, and emotional issues, Attorney Shemin’s practice areas encompass all aspects of divorce and family law, including alimony, child support, custody and co-parenting plans, removal, division of marital assets, inheritances, trusts and estates, post-divorce modifications, same-sex partnerships, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and agreements to stay married.

Attorney Shemin is, first and foremost, devoted to alternative dispute resolution to address problem-solving and conflict resolution while also acknowledging that court involvement may sometimes be required. She relies on a 360° philosophy which recognizes that clients need a careful and experienced assessment of their family law concerns. Founded on her 38+ years of professional experience, she believes that – just as the triage process is mission critical if there is a medical concern, so too must the family law practitioner be able to guide the client in the most cost-effective, least damaging alternatives. She knows that virtually nothing can derail a case faster than opting for the wrong type of conflict resolution process or selecting an attorney whose philosophy and values are not attuned to the client’s needs. Consistent with the oft-quoted adage – “I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail,” Attorney Shemin recognizes that a domestic relations firm must offer excellence in a multiplicity of legal areas as client needs are multifaceted and every client deserves tailored services.

Throughout the course of her impressive career, Attorney Shemin has established herself as a distinguished and trustworthy expert in the domestic relations field. Since 1999, she has been continuously awarded the highest achievable Peer Review “AV Preeminent” rating from Martindale-Hubbell, which represents recognition of the most stringent standards in ethical behavior and quality of legal work.

In addition to her law, mediation, collaborative law and parenting coordination practice, Attorney Shemin’s interest in “paying it forward” is evidenced both in the writing and publication of her scholarly articles.  She frequently teaches introductory and advanced courses to professional colleagues and the lay public alike on topics related to ADR and family law and she literally “shows” mediators-in-training the way as she coaches them in the nuances of effective practice.

Attorney Shemin has been a guest lecturer on mediation, collaborative law, diversity, domestic violence and power imbalance issues in family law cases, post-divorce financial planning, and co-parenting topics for the American Bar Association, American Psychological Association, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council and Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation. On the university level, she has been an adjunct professor teaching “Negotiation” at Northeastern University’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business as well as an adjunct instructor in “Family Law,” “Ethics,” and “Mental Health Law” at Boston University School of Social Work.

Fields and Dennis LLP fits the ideal prototype of a dispute resolution firm that enables clients and counsel to collaborate as a team to ascertain what process best fits the client’s initial (and sometimes changing) needs. It is rare to have the breadth and depth of legal talent under one roof for multidisciplinary “one-stop shopping.” From the initial email or telephone inquiry, the prospective client will find that Fields and Dennis LLP offers its clients an expansive range of support and legal services. The firm is comprised of professionals with deep expertise spanning the full spectrum of multidisciplinary areas that may well impact the divorcing client – from every form of ADR (such alternatives to the traditional and adversarial method of dispute resolution include mediation, collaborative law, settlement negotiations, conciliation, arbitration and case evaluation), to litigation, to estate planning, real estate, business advice and psychology (recognizing that the process often causes emotional upheaval to family members). Every firm member is devoted to being circumspect about preserving precious resources for clients, recognizing that time away from work and home is taxing, that finances should be preserved for the reconstituted family and that emotional conflagrations should not be flamed by the legal process.

Awards & Certifications

2021 Avvo Clients’ Choice Award

2020 Martindale-Hubbell Top Rated Lawyer

2018-2021 Super Lawyer

2018 Association of Professional Family Mediators Certified Advanced Practitioner

2017-2018 Top Rated Lawyers: Women Leaders in the Law (Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating)

2017 Legal Leaders: New England (top 5% of family law attorneys among peers)

2016-2017 Top Ten Family Lawyers in Massachusetts (American Institute of Family Law Attorneys)

2015 Boston’s Top Rated Lawyers in three distinct categories – Alternative Dispute Resolution, Family Law and Mediation/Collaborative Law (by Martindale-Hubbell, based on peer review ratings)

2013-2014 Top Rated Lawyers: Legal Leaders in Family Law

Since 2011, continuously recognized for selection in the Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers as one of the Top Women Lawyers in the Northeast (less than 5% of female attorneys are accorded this honor)

10.0 “Superb” AVVO rating – Top Divorce Attorney

Premium Member Certified Mediator by Mediate.com (validating highest ethical standards and at least 200 hours of mediation case experience and at least 100 hours of mediation training)

Certified Family Mediator, Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation

Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator

Nationally Certified Parenting Coordinator – PACE / NCPC

Category V Parent Coordinator – Approved by Commonwealth of Massachusetts

ACSW (The Academy of Certified Social Workers was established in 1960 and remains the most widely recognized and respected social work credential obtainable)

LICSW (This designation signifies the most advanced of the social work licenses in Massachusetts; as such, it, allows the professional to function as an independent clinical social worker in private practice; to engage in counseling, treatment and diagnosis of psycho-social issues; and to provide a full range of supervisory and consultation services)

WorldWide Registry – Inclusion In Top 101 Industry Experts

Note Editor, Law Review, Boston University School of Law

American Jurisprudence Book Award in Family Law (1/110)

Best Cross Examiner, Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute (1994)

Edward F. Hennessey Distinguished Scholar (highest honors in third year of law school)

Paul J. Liacos Distinguished Scholar (highest honors in second year of law school)

G. Joseph Tauro Distinguished Scholar (highest honors in first year of law school)

The Johns Hopkins University Honors Program, Phi Beta Kappa (founded in 1776, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honor society)

Marital Mediation Training

“Engaging High-Conflict Clients in Positive Problem-Solving” Master Class with Bill Eddy, LCSW, JD, CFLS

Committees

Attorney Shemin is not only dedicated to the practice of family law, she is also committed to advancing the field of domestic relations.  In addition to her full-time practice, Attorney Shemin has devoted time to teaching colleagues, students and the public about negotiation, alternative dispute resolution and co-parenting.

Attorney Shemin served as President of the Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation (MCFM) from 2018-2020; she continues to be a member of the Executive Board. In addition, she is a member of the Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation Annual Institute Committee, co-chair of the Joint Committee for Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation-Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council, and was central to designing and implementing the topic for Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation-Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council’s 2017 Annual Meeting entitled “Exploring the Perspective of Each Participant in the ADR Process.”

Attorney Shemin is a Board Member and Founding Member of the prestigious national organization, Academy of Professional Family Mediators.

For well over a decade, Attorney Shemin was a Board Member of Massachusetts Association of Guardians ad Litem. 

Attorney Shemin has been a guest lecturer on mediation, collaborative law, diversity, domestic violence and power imbalance issues in family law cases, post-divorce financial planning, and co-parenting topics for the American Bar Association, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council (MCLC) and The Divorce Center.

She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC).  She was recently honored to be invited to join the prestigious organization The Massachusetts Family and Probate American Inn of Court.

Upcoming Speaking Engagements

Vicki L. Shemin will be joining panel “What Have We Learned? Parenting Coordination Developments Since the Issuance of Standing Order 1-17,” Along with Chief Justice Casey and the Honorable Judge Giordano, Vicki L. Shemin will be co-presenting with other family law practitioners on the topic, “What Have We Learned? Parenting Coordination Developments Since the Issuance of Standing Order 1-17,” sponsored by the BBA’s Family Law Section. Please save the date and RSVP: https://bostonbar.org/mobile/mobile-calendar/mobile-event-details?ID=37023
Recent Speaking Engagements

MCFM president Vicki L. Shemin joined 19 other MCFM members at a first-of-its-kind blockbuster National Mediation Conference (APFM/MCFM/ADFP) at Boston this past november November. Vicki presented on two topics: “Sex, Drugs & Rock & Roll & What Happened to the Money?” and “Women in ADR and Finance.” The presentation on gender bias featured a panel of National Mediators. https://mcfm.org/blog/content/twenty-mcfm-members-presenting-national-mediation-conference-boston-nov-7-9-2019

DIVORCE IN THE AGE OF COVID – ASK THE EXPERTS for the organization Jane Does Well, a greater Boston area divorce support group

Vicki L. Shemin and Jonathan E. Fields, partners at Fields & Dennis in Wellesley, recently participated in a panel discussion on the movie Marriage Story. Notably, this was a first of its kind event, co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation, Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council and the Massachusetts chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. 

In January of 2018 Ms. Shemin was a featured panel speaker at The Massachusetts Chapter of the AFCC Winter Symposium, “Parent Coordinator-The Court’s Next Gladiator: Cutting through Standing Order 1-17”

In October of 2017, Ms. Shemin was honored to present a workshop at the International Association of Collaborative Professionals entitled: “Chasing Zebras: Collaborative Law Models of a Different Stripe”

In 2017, Attorney Shemin was asked by Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (the state’s premier professional teaching organization for lawyers who have achieved recognition in their area of practice and who are committed to volunteering their time to share the benefit of that expertise with professional colleagues) to Chair a program entitled, “A Kaleidoscopic Perspective on the Impact of Divorce.” The program was based, in part, on the cutting-edge divorce research she is conducting for a forthcoming book. To participate, or for more information, please see www.surveymonkey.com/s/XC89FQ9 and below.

Attorneys Shemin and Fields were honored by having their workshop proposal – “Making the Collaborative Law Shoe Fit the Clients: Creative Options for A Better Fitting Practice Model” – accepted for presentation during Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council’s Annual Institute held at Clark University in May, 2017.

In 2015, Attorney Shemin presented a national workshop for the Academy of Professional Family Mediators entitled, “To Prenup/Postnup or Not To Prenup/Postnup: That is the Question!”

In 2016, Attorney Shemin presented to a National Summit in Washington, D.C. sponsored by the American Psychological Association, General Motors and Ohio State University on the topic of “Cultural Competence and Inclusive Excellence.”

For the past 2 years, Attorney Shemin has embarked on an international research venture to obtain at least 300 respondents to participate in her cutting-edge project entitled Letters To Ex-Spouses:…And I Just Wanted You To Know.  To date, she has 275 participants.  Attorney Shemin was invited by Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education to be the Chairperson of a seminar to present the initial phases of this research.  One of her goals in pursuing the research has been for individuals who have gone through the divorce process to be able to communicate – anonymously and first-hand – what they would like not only their ex-spouses to know – but also judges, attorneys, therapists, and clergy. As an added bonus, a child of divorce participated in the panel presentation to underscore the important point that, inevitably, the lives of children in families of divorce are irrevocably altered. The panel joining her was comprised of a judge, therapist, litigator, minister and child of divorce. Please view the link at www.surveymonkey.com/s/XC89FQ9

“Collaborative Divorce: Old Challenges/New Opportunities,” Co-Presenter, MCLC Practice Group, April 25, 2018

“Mediating Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements: Challenges and Opportunities,” Academy of Professional Family Mediators, Webinar, April 18, 2018 (co-presenter with Jonathan Fields)

Prenups – Postnups – And How to Get Closure on your Divorce,” OverDivorce.com (interview with Vicki)

Prenups, Postnups, and Letters to Exes,” Family Matters with Virginia L. Colin, Ph.D (interview with Vicki)

Recent Publications

Family Conflict During a Pandemic: Stories of Struggle and Hope – [Print Replica]Kindle Edition Vicki L. Shemin J.D., LICSW, ACSW was one of ninety mediators  who contributed to this book.  In section four she wrote about Advice on Co-operative Co-parenting.  The book highlights the continuing strain on families who are struggling with the consequence of the pandemic – illness and death, lockdowns, economic catastrophe, distance learning, virtual work, and anxiety caused by constant uncertainty—it seemed time for a second book that offered advice, support, compassion, and hope.                                 

Inspired lawyer proposes Bench-Bar Civility Honor Roll written by Vicki L. Shemin, J.D., LICSW, ACSW and published in Mass Lawyers Weekly (March 11, 2021)

ADVICE ON COOPERATIVE CO-PARENTING DURING & AFTER AN ACRIMONIOUS DIVORCE: IT WILL IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH written by Vicki L. Shemin, J.D., LICSW, ACSW  and published by The Thrive Global Community on January 29, 2021

A Diamond is Forever, But the Engagement Ring May Be Ne’er written by Vicki L. Shemin, J.D., LICSW, ACSW  and published in Citybizlist on January 25, 2021

WHAT YOUR DIVORCE LAWYER WANTS YOU TO KNOW BUT WOULD NEVER TELL YOU TO YOUR FACEVicki L. Shemin  polled 7 of Boston’s top divorce lawyers and asked them a simple question: “What would you like to be able to say to your clients but never would”? Thrive Global

MCLE’s 6th edition 2020, Vicki L. Shemin was a contributing editor to Chapter 2 of TRYING DIVORCE CASES IN MASSACHUSETTS entitled “Assessing the Case” and “Alternatives to Litigation”

Vicki L. Shemin, J.D., LICSW, ACSW, served as co-author of chapter 3 GOODBYE PROSPECT, HELLO CLIENT: INITIAL HOMEWORK AND THE NEXT STEPS (with Patricia O’Connell and Donald Tye) in the book TRYING DIVORCE CASES IN MASSACHUSETTS (MCLE, 2020)

STAYING IN WHILE NOT BURNING OUT! Vicki L. Shemin shares her survival tips for attorneys working from home during the pandemic. Mass Lawyers Weekly

Vicki L. Shemin takes an unusual perspective on how Noah Baumbach’s Oscar nominated film, Marriage Story, is a Valentine to divorce. A must read for everyone thinking about divorce, anyone who has been divorced – and for divorce lawyers alike. Follow the links to read the article (Attention: some spoilers!) https://masslawyersweekly.com/2020/02/13/marriage-story-a-valentine-to-lawyers/

The Real Story Behind “Marriage Story” – Divorce Magazine
https://www.divorcemag.com/blog/the-real-story-behind-marriage-story

Navigating Informed Consent To The Road That Ought To Be More Traveled by Vicki Shemin, J.D., LICSW, ACSW
http://nebula.wsimg.com/92d58fb19741c899e6d684518fcf48ce?AccessKeyId=4F5C1A0739CD7D867B6D&disposition=0&alloworigin=1

Massachusetts Association of Guardians ad Litem, Inc.
Parent Coordination Speaker Series: Learn From the Experts
Vicki Shemin, Esq. (co-presenter)
Topics included:  Addressing dysfunctional communication; dynamics of high-conflict families and impact on kids; education, skill-training & problem-solving; case reviews

Vicki L. Shemin quoted in NBC News on why prenups and postnups are for everyone (and what steps you should take to protect yourself). Read more:
https://www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/prenuptial-agreements-what-prenup-should-i-get-one-ncna993616

9 Things Divorced Couples Wish They Did Differently, According To Experts,” Bustle (August 2019) quoting Vicki Shemin about how forming your own opinion and maintaining your own self-reflective perspective about your marriage could save you regrets later on.

Prenuptial agreements: What is a prenup and should I get one?” NBC News (April 2019) quoting Vicki Shemin

Cohabitation After Divorce: Reasons You Need a Co-Tenancy Agreement,” Divorce Magazine (June 2018)

8 Survival Tips for Living Together During Divorce,” Divorce Magazine, (May 2018)

“Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Divorce: 5 Ways to be a Hero,” Divorce Magazine  (May 2018)

Heart-balm statutes: Can money heal heartache?” Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (March 2018)

“Making Holidays Magical for Kids After Divorce,”  Movingpastdivorce.com (December 2017)

“Prenups & Postnups: The Dawning Of Sunrise / Sunset Clauses,”   Massachusetts Bar Association Lawyers Journal, September/October, 2017

“Parenting Coordination: The Emancipation Proclamation,”  (with Jonathan E. Fields), Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, April 20, 2017

Tying The Knot, Faster Than Planned,” The Boston Globe, April 3, 2017, quoting Vicki Shemin about the “Trumped-Up Prenup”

“Divorce Lawyers: Five Little Known Things You Need to Know,” Mediate.com (April 2017) and Divorcedmoms.com (Summer 2015)

Interview with Vicki Shemin, Academy of Professional Family Mediators, apfmnet.org, January 2017

“4 Important Things To Do Before You Say ‘I Don’t,” GoodMenProject.com (May 7, 2016)

4 Benefits of Being A Child of Divorce,” Huffington Post (April 4, 2016)

“10 Ways to Keep Your (Re)Marriage Alive and Well,” MovingPastDivorce (August 2015)

Facebook: You Can Run, But You Cannot Hide!,” (2015)

“Helping Save a Marriage Through Mediation to Stay Married,” MaritalMediation.com (2013) and MCFM Family Mediation Quarterly (Summer 2010)

“The Squid & The Whale: A Relevant Tale,” MCFM Family Mediation Quarterly (Fall 2012)

Collaborative Divorce Handbook: Helping Families Without Going to Court, by Forrest S. Mosten, Book Notes reviewed by Vicki Shemin, ABA Dispute Resolution Magazine, vol. 17, no.2 (Winter 2011)

“Health Care Proxies & Durable Powers of Attorney,” in A Practical Guide to Estate Planning in Massachusetts (Fall, 1997; updated 2011)

The Uniform Mediation Act,” in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (July 18, 2005) (with co-author David Hoffman)

“Collaborative Divorce in the Fast Lane: Negotiating an Agreement, Start to Finish, in Ten Days” (with co-author David Hoffman) 

“Section 1041 and its Estate Planning Opportunities for Clients Contemplating Divorce,” 25 Real Property, Probate and Trust Journal 535 (f/k/a Ehrlichman, Fall, 1990)

“Ménage À Trois in Antenuptial Agreements: Balancing the Interests of the Couple and the State,” 15 Tax Management Estates, Gifts and Trust Journal 93 (f/k/a Ehrlichman, 1990)

Professional Memberships

Attorney Vicki L. Shemin has been appointed to serve on the Family Law Section Council of the Massachusetts Bar Association effective Sept. 1, 2021.
The Family Law Section is designed to improve the Probate and Family Court’s accessibility and efficiency to benefit lawyers, judges, staff and the public by offering educational seminars, providing updates on legislative activity, and facilitating bench/bar networking opportunities. “I am pleased and proud to be serving on the MBA’s Family Law Section Council during a pivotal time for families and family law in Massachusetts, especially as the community continues to adjust to the unprecedented challenges wrought by COVID.”

Category V Parent Coordinator – Ms. Shemin has met the stringent requirements to be a Parent Coordinator pursuant to Standing Order 1-17

Association of Family and Conciliation Courts –  Board of Directors Massachusetts Chapter

Massachusetts Family and Probate American Inn of Court

Academy of Professional Family Mediators – Board Member and Founding Member (2016-18) Member of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee. 

Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation – President

Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council – Member and Annual Institute Presenter

The Divorce Center – Frequent presenter to the public on topics including alimony, custody, emotional impact of divorce and property division

Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education – Family Law Mediation Workshop

Mediate.com Premium Member and Contributor

Mediation Works Incorporated (MWI) – volunteer mediator/trainee supervisor at Norfolk County Probate Court

International Academy of Collaborative Professionals – Member and Presenter at International Conference

Massachusetts Bar Association

Boston Bar Association

Women’s Bar Association

Admitted to the Massachusetts Bar – 1989

Education

J.D. (cum laude), Boston University School of Law (Note Editor Law Review – 1989)

M.S.W., The University of Maryland School of Social Work (1979)

B.A., Phi Beta Kappa, The Johns Hopkins University Honors Program (1977)

Prior Work Experience

Boston Law Collaborative, LLC

Lee, Levine & Bowser LLP

McDermott, Will & Emery

Peckham, Lobel, Casey, Prince & Tye LLP

Hale and Dorr LLP