ATTORNEYS
Karen Sweeney Shea
Karen Sweeney Shea is a highly skilled family law attorney with over 30 years of experience, specializing in complex and high-net-worth divorce litigation, child custody matters, and alternative dispute resolution. A member of McGrath & Kane since 2002, Karen has built a reputation for her thoughtful, strategic approach to family law and her ability to guide clients through even the most challenging legal issues.
Karen earned her Juris Doctor degree from Boston College Law School in 1990, following her undergraduate studies at Merrimack College (1986). She began her legal career at the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office, where she gained invaluable courtroom experience before transitioning to private practice.
At McGrath & Kane, Karen has developed a deep expertise in complex family law cases, including divorce cases involving substantial financial assets, child custody disputes, modifications, contempt matters, and the negotiation and drafting of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. In addition to her litigation practice, Karen is an experienced mediator and conciliator, successfully resolving private family law matters through alternative dispute resolution methods. She also volunteers her time as a conciliator for various probate and family court conciliation programs, offering her mediation services to help families resolve disputes outside of the courtroom.
Karen is also dedicated to advancing the field of family law through education and service. She has authored numerous articles on family law topics and regularly participates as a panelist for Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) seminars and Massachusetts Bar Association Programs. Additionally, Karen serves as an Attorney Representing Children (ARC) and volunteers with several Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) programs in the Probate and Family Courts of Middlesex and Norfolk counties. She also participated in the Lawyer for the Day program, helping individuals navigate through the court system. Recognized for her excellence in family law, Karen has been named a Super Lawyer by Boston Magazine since 2008 and has been listed among the Top Women of Law since 2014. She is an active member of the American Bar Association, Massachusetts Bar Association, Boston Bar Association, and the Greater Boston Family Law Inns of Court.
- Practice Areas:
- High Net-Worth Divorce & Complex Litigation
- Child Custody & Parenting Disputes
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Divorce Modifications & Contempt
- Paternity Matters
- Mediation & Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Education:
- J.D., Boston College Law School (1990)
- B.A., Merrimack College (1986)
- Bar Admissions:
- Massachusetts
- U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts
- Professional Memberships & Leadership:
- American Bar Association
- Massachusetts Bar Association
- Boston Bar Association
- Greater Boston Family Law Inns of Court
Karen Sweeney Shea’s dedication to her clients and her contributions to the family law community make her a respected and trusted attorney in the Greater Boston area.