Ellen Jean Messing, Civil Rights Attorney in Boston, Massachusetts

Ellen concentrates on civil rights, contracts, employment, litigation, and sexual harassment. Each area below outlines the kind of case Ellen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

• Civil Rights

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• Contracts

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• Employment

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• Litigation

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• Sexual Harassment

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• Wrongful Termination

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Ellen's primary office is at 50 Congress St., Ste. 1000, Boston, MA, 02109-4079. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Working with a new civil rights attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Ellen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Ellen discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in civil rights practice — ask which fits.

• How much does it cost to hire Ellen for a civil rights case?

  Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Ellen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

• Does Ellen offer a free consultation?

  Ellen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ellen's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Ellen's current terms during booking.

• How long do civil rights cases in Massachusetts typically take?

  Simple civil rights matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Ellen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

• Can Ellen take my case if I'm outside Boston?

  Ellen is licensed in Massachusetts. Matters governed by Massachusetts law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Ellen will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

• What should I bring to my first meeting with Ellen?

  Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Ellen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

• Is Ellen accepting new civil rights clients right now?

  Ellen's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.