Karen M. Buckley, Chapter 13 Attorney in Newton, Massachusetts

Attorney Karen M. Buckley is passionate about using her professional strengths to help people resolve life's complicated issues. She assists her clients through some of the most difficult times of their lives, so she feels it's essential to inject genuine humanity into the process.

Since earning her law degree in 1987 from the University of Buffalo, Karen has developed a practice based on competence and compassion. Karen brings over twenty years of experience with the law together with an intuitive ability to sift the facts of a particular case. By determining how the law fits the facts, Karen can then make sound, supported arguments to the court. She is able to explore creative and reasonable solutions with her clients.

Karen takes the time needed to educate and understand her clients. She discusses with them not only where they are now, but how they arrived at this point and how to move forward. "If I can help my clients envision a better future for themselves while I'm looking out for their best interests, I feel I'm doing my job," Karen says. "It's not only about winning. It's about doing what's best for you and your family, not only today but into the future."

In family law cases, Karen works with her clients to put the children first and to come to an equitable solution. "You do need to be a strong advocate for your client," she says, "but you don't need to see a protracted fight in every case." In many cases, there is an appropriate settlement that can and should be reached. Karen is trained in collaborative law, and advises clients going through the mediation process. All avenues of resolution will be analyzed to find a course that best suits her client's circumstances.

In civil litigation, Karen particularly enjoys helping clients find a reasonable, appropriate solution to their disputes. Proper use of discovery and a willingness to keep the client's best interest — in every sense of its meaning — in mind often allow Karen to achieve a positive result.

Bankruptcy is a difficult process for an individual or family. Karen finds it rewarding when she can help a family avoid bankruptcy. In the event bankruptcy is a necessary solution. Karen will advise the client through the bankruptcy process so they can achieve their "fresh start."

Karen has litigated cases throughout Massachusetts. She has practiced before the probate and family courts in Middlesex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Worcester, Plymouth and Barnstable counties, as well as various superior and district courts in the Boston, MetroWest and North Shore areas.

While earning her undergraduate degree at the University of Albany, Karen was selected to participate in an internship with the New York State Assembly. She received her J.D. in 1987 from the University of Buffalo Law School. After practicing law in New York State for nearly seven years, Karen moved to Massachusetts where she has practiced since 1994. She is admitted to practice in both New York and Massachusetts, as well as the 1st and 2nd Circuits of the Federal Court of Appeals, the District of Massachusetts and the Northern and Western Districts of New York federal courts.

Attorney Buckley has been appointed as an Attorney for the Child in the Middlesex and Norfolk Probate and Family Courts. She serves as Lawyer of the Day in Norfolk Probate and Family Court and as a conciliator with the SERV program in the Suffolk Probate and Family Court. She also volunteers her time as a judge in the Massachusetts Bar Association's annual high school mock trial competition. Karen has also been involved in numerous civic activities, including coaching youth sports, the finance council for her church and the School Parent Council for her children’s schools.

Karen is a member of the Greater Boston Family Law Inn of Court, the New York and Massachusetts Bar Associations Family Law Sections, the Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council and the International Association of Collaborative Professionals. Additionally, Karen serves on the Board of Directors for The Divorce Center, a non-profit organization that utilizes public and professional education to make divorce less traumatic and more civil, particularly for the children.

An active community member, Karen coached for many years in the Parkway Youth Soccer League and is a member of the School Parent Council for her children's school. She also serves on the finance council of her church. Karen is married and has two children.