Shirley Sperling Paley, General Attorney in Somerville, Massachusetts

Shirley concentrates on general, ip, litigation, m&a, and patent. Each area below outlines the kind of case Shirley handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

• General

  View other General attorneys

• IP

  View other IP attorneys

• Litigation

  View other Litigation attorneys

• M&A

  View other M&A attorneys

• Patent

  View other Patent attorneys

Shirley's primary office is at 35 Medford St, Somerville, MA, 02143-4242. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

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

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

• How much does it cost to hire Shirley for a general case?

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

• Does Shirley offer a free consultation?

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

• How long do general cases in Massachusetts typically take?

  Simple general 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. Shirley gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

• Can Shirley take my case if I'm outside Somerville?

  Shirley 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 — Shirley 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 Shirley?

  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. Shirley will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

• Is Shirley accepting new general clients right now?

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