Vicki L. Shemin, Esq., LICSW, ACSW

Partner

A Nationally Recognized Leader in Family Law & Alternative Dispute Resolution

Recognized on a national and state level as a leader in the fields of family law and alternative dispute resolution, Vicki’s dual degree in law and clinical social work makes her ideally suited to bring a unique, deeply honed perspective to every matter.

Vicki’s expertise as a family law attorney encompasses her specializations as a mediator, collaborative practitioner, conciliator, parenting coordinator, and divorce coach. In addition, she has a particular interest in prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.

Vicki is honored to have received several prestigious recognitions over the years. She has earned both national and state recognition such as Best Lawyers in AmericaⓇ; Super Lawyers; Boston Magazine Top Lawyers in Divorce and Family Law; Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly Top Women of Law; Top Ten Family Law Attorney in Massachusetts; and Top Rated Lawyer: Women Leaders in the Law.

Dual‑Degree Expertise: Blending Legal Strategy with Emotional Insight

Vicki is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of The Johns Hopkins University. In addition, Vicki holds a J.D. (cum laude) from Boston University School of Law (where she served as Law Review Note Editor) and an M.S.W. from the University of Maryland (where she graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA). Vicki’s background allows her to support clients in navigating both the legal and emotional complexities of family transitions. Her practice includes high-conflict custody cases, complex financial disputes, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and non-traditional approaches like marital mediation and “agreements to stay married.” She is also a certified family mediator in both Massachusetts and Florida, offering multi-jurisdictional insight where needed.

Championing Collaborative Processes & Parental Empowerment

While recognizing that resorting to litigation is sometimes a necessity, in the first instance, Vicki favors out-of-court resolutions—like mediation and collaborative law—whenever possible, guiding clients to retain agency and reduce the emotional (and financial) toll of litigation. As a founding member of the Academy of Professional Family Mediators, a committee member of the Massachusetts Chapter of AFCC, a member of the Mass Bar Association House of Delegates, and a former president of the Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation, she has played a key role in shaping professional standards and training family law practitioners across the region.

A Vibrant Legal Educator & Community Mentor

In addition to her practice, Vicki is dedicated to “paying it forward” and has taught negotiation, family law, ethics, and dispute resolution as a former adjunct professor at Northeastern University School of Business and Boston University School of Social Work. She regularly presents at legal education programs, chairs CLE panels, and contributes thought leadership on the intersection of law and mental health—including work in parenting coordination and civility in the profession. Her writing and speaking engagements reflect her commitment to evolving the practice of family law in thoughtful and accessible ways.

A Compassionate, Insight-Driven Approach to Client Care

With formal training in both law and clinical social work, Vicki offers a trauma-informed, client-first approach grounded in clarity, empathy, and strategy. Clients often describe her as a steady and compassionate presence—someone who listens deeply, addresses legal and emotional concerns simultaneously, and helps them navigate uncertain terrain with structure and purpose. structure and purpose. A recent client said, “I can’t say enough about her professionalism, compassion, and knowledge….she takes the time to listen carefully and provide thoughtful guidance.” And, another observed: “She provided solutions where it seemed there were none, opening the door to justice.” In sum, Vicki’s interdisciplinary expertise allows her to identify the heart of a conflict, think outside the box, and help clients reach lasting, carefully considered, and mutually agreeable outcomes.