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George J. Skelly, Litigation Attorney in Boston, Massachusetts

Boston, MA

Trusted litigation attorney serving Boston.

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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.

Main office

53 State Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02109-2835

Open in Google Maps

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.

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Hiring 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

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.