In 1957, Irving “Chick” Sheff opened the Sheff Law Offices, P.C. in downtown Boston, Massachusetts. Originally the Sheff Law Offices was a “general practice” firm , handling a diverse case load from personal injury cases, to criminal, real estate, eminent domain and tax work. With over 700 active files, our attorneys were client focused, organized and employed the best strategies for responding to client needs in these diverse areas. In creating a propriety filing coding system, Sheff Law Offices ensured that the cases were filed efficiently, expeditiously, and in the best interest of each of its individual clients. As time passed the legal environment and the law practice changed. Firms began to specialize in specific areas of the law. Chick Sheff, as he was known across the legal community, derived the most joy in assisting working families, who had suffered a tragedy and needed specialized legal services to get back on their feet. With the help and support of his family including his son, Douglas Sheff (who joined the Sheff Law Offices in the early 1980’s), the firm has been solely dedicated to assisting the catastrophically and seriously injured and their families for over five decades. Today, the Sheff Law Offices remain one of the most specialized and highly regarded personal injury firms in Massachusetts and the United States.

Excellence in the practice of law at the Sheff Law Offices has been recognized by a number of organizations both locally and nationally. The Massachusetts Academy of Trial Lawyers recognized Irving Sheff, upon his passing, with a special award in May 2008 for his work with catastrophically injured clients and his mentoring within the legal practice. Several Sheff law offices employees have been recognized as Super Lawyers, and have become members of the judiciary. Several others have started their own practices after “learning the ropes” at the Sheff Law Offices. Douglas Sheff has been similarly recognized by the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Lawyers for excellence in advocacy, a special recognition award and as its president. Nationally, the Sheff Law Offices and its principles have been recognized for their outstanding services to AAJ including appointments as Governor, Leaders Forum, and as a state delegate. Indeed, Douglas Sheff served as the president of the State Delegates for ATLA. Lawyers at the Sheff Law Offices made their mark in other organizations, including the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Melvin and Belli Society, and the New England Bar Association. As leaders in the Bar, the Sheff Law Offices has also enjoyed close affiliations with various political organizations and has had close political affiliations over several decades with many Massachusetts politicians, including the late Senator Edward Kennedy and Senator John Kerry. Interestingly, Douglas’s birth to Maxine and Irving was recognized by a telegram sent by then Senator John F. Kennedy (later President Kennedy).

The Sheff Law Offices continues to draw on its lessons from its past. Although our practice is specialized, our attorneys remain client focused, organized and strategic as they were decades ago. We employ the use of the latest technology, computer graphics and animations to illustrate the injuries of our clients as well as respective liability positions. It is not rare for an attorney to use an IPad during a meeting to demonstrate to a client our plan to utilize technology at a mediation or trial. Our lawyers draw upon a nation and global network of expert witnesses to support our client’s cases.

We are frequently retained to represent clients in other states and internationally. Our attorneys are active members in local, regional, and national Bar Associations. We frequently provide presentations and lectures to other lawyers or community groups regarding recent developments in the law and modern trial practice techniques.

Times have changed since 1957 but our commitment to assisting working families and the victims of catastrophic personal injuries has not. It has only grown stronger and remains the core mission belief of the Sheff Law Offices.

In Memoriam
Irving “Chick” Sheff
1922-2007

The founding member of the Sheff Law Offices, Irving “Chick” Sheff served his clients, family and county in 60 years of practice.

He was a founding member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (now the American Association for Justice), Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys, and the National Association of Compensation and Claimants Attorneys. In addition to serving in many elected positions within these organizations, he was a member of the Trial Lawyers for Public Justice (a group of attorneys who represent consumer rights on a variety of legal issues through creative litigation) and a past President of the Melvin Belli Association, a recognized group of outstanding trial attorneys.

Mr. Sheff was recognized for his contributions to the trial bar, through the awards he received, including ATLA “Next Generation Award” (first recipient) and multiple other recognitions.

Through his guidance and caring, Mr. Sheff instilled a sense of pride, innovation and teamwork which permeates the fabric of the Sheff Law today.