Shaun B. Spencer

I have practiced in Massachusetts state and federal appellate courts since 1996. I began my law practice in 1996 with Bingham, Dana & Gould in Boston, where I handled First Amendment and general commercial litigation. I later founded my own firm specializing in appellate practice. In addition, I have taught appellate advocacy and brief writing at Harvard Law School, Boston College Law School, and the University of Massachusetts School of Law, where I now serve as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Director of Legal Skills, and Professor of Law. My academic research focuses on privacy, data protection, and surveillance law.

I was recently named a 2024 Lawyer of the Year by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly for my advocacy before the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts concerning a novel interpretation of the state's alimony law. The case, Openshaw v. Openshaw, is described in the Notable Cases section of this website. For a summary, see https://www.umassd.edu/news/2025/law/shaun-spencer-lawyer-of-the-year.html. 

Email: Please send initial inquiries about a potential appellate representation or consultation to shaunbspencer@gmail.com. 

Telephone: (617) 281-6957