George J. Skelly, Litigation Attorney in Boston, Massachusetts
Boston, MA
Trusted litigation attorney serving Boston.
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you George J. Skelly?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
George J. Skelly is an attorney based in Boston, MASSACHUSETTS. The practice focuses on Litigation.
- Based in
- Boston, MASSACHUSETTS
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Litigation
- Handles Litigation matters from Boston, MASSACHUSETTS.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Securities (2026).
About George J. Skelly: George J. Skelly is an attorney based in Boston, MASSACHUSETTS. The practice focuses on Litigation.
Areas of practice
George's practice areas in Boston
George concentrates on litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case George handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Litigation cases in Boston, Massachusetts
George takes litigation matters in Boston, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before George agrees to represent you.
Biography
George J. Skelly, litigation attorney serving Boston
George J. Skelly is an attorney based in Boston, MASSACHUSETTS. The practice focuses on Litigation. George works from Boston, Massachusetts and takes on litigation matters across the region.
George Skelly is a litigator with almost 30 years of experience successfully representing officers, directors and companies in high stakes litigation, government investigations and arbitrations. George heads the firm’s securities litigation practice.
What do you focus on?I focus on defending officers, directors and companies in SEC inquiries and enforcement actions and in securities fraud class actions. But I also represent companies in a variety of large commercial disputes. I recently represented a major public REIT in a contest for control initiated by activist shareholders. I successfully litigated and tried claims for $1 billion in principal and interest in the largest operating Chapter 11 bankruptcy case filed in Delaware. I successfully defended the CEO of a major public software company in a 15-day federal jury trial in which the SEC claimed accounting fraud. My team obtained a complete victory in a two-year federal court enforcement action by the SEC against the collateral manager of a complex derivative financial product (CDO). Acting as ‘plaintif’s counsel,’ I achieved a significant victory for a consumer product company in an arbitration against a component supplier to recover costs associated with a major product recall. I have defended individual officers and directors in SEC actions and investigations in each of the major waves of securities litigation over the last two decades, including market timing, stock option backdating and financial-crisis-era mortgage-backed securities offerings.
George's approach to litigation cases
George Skelly is a litigator with almost 30 years of experience successfully representing officers, directors and companies in high stakes litigation, government investigations and arbitrations. George heads the firm’s securities litigation practice. What do you focus on? I focus on defending officers, directors and companies in SEC inquiries and enforcement actions and in securities fraud class…
The kind of cases George takes
George reviews new inquiries case-by-case for litigation matters in Boston and the surrounding Massachusetts area.
Credentials
Credentials — where George studied and practices
Columbia University
J.D. · 1984
Princeton University
BA
Jurisdictions
George's state bar admissions
Massachusetts, Unite
ACTIVE
George studied at J.D. in Columbia University and BA in Princeton University.
Law school and academic background
George completed J.D. in Columbia University and BA in Princeton University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice George runs in Massachusetts is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
George's legal honors and published work
George has received 5 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Securities
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Governance Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Mergers and Acquisitions
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Securities (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Governance Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Mergers and Acquisitions (2026).
Locations
George J. Skelly's office in Boston
George's primary office is at 53 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109-2835. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of George J. Skelly
George has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
Only verified clients who have consulted with George J. Skelly can leave a review.
Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire George J. Skelly — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new litigation attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with George usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
George charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain George's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; George will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a litigation attorney in Boston, Massachusetts
A short list to run through before you commit: How many litigation matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for George
George discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in litigation practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every litigation matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. George confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
George's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many litigation practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about George J. Skelly
How much does it cost to hire George for a litigation case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. George walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does George offer a free consultation?
George charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain George's office. Some litigation attorneys offer free consults — check George's current terms during booking.
How long do litigation cases in Massachusetts typically take?
Simple litigation 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. George gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can George take my case if I'm outside Boston?
George 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 — George 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 George?
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. George will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is George accepting new litigation clients right now?
George's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Litigation attorneys serving Boston, Cambridge and Worcester in Massachusetts
George handles litigation matters throughout Massachusetts. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified litigation attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated litigation attorneys in Massachusetts
If George's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these litigation attorneys in Boston handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





