Bagley Law has deep roots in coastal Boston.
Prior to its inception, Martha Bagley practiced law with her father, Ralph Bagley, in Boston and over those fourteen years, Martha earned a reputation as a skilled litigator and expert in family law. Now, with a home in Marblehead, offices in Salem and Boston, and clients from Newburyport to the Cape, Martha Bagley has become the family law attorney of choice for the Massachusetts seacoast.
Martha Bagley is a third generation attorney who has successfully represented hundreds of clients in their matrimonial, estate, and custody matters. She is a recognized expert in Family Law and the Rules of Evidence, offering her expertise as a Faculty Member at Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, an organization dedicated to training attorneys with the skills needed to practice in the ever-changing legal environment. Her expertise is also recognized outside of law, with prominent Board and Officer positions, including her election as the first woman Officer at the Boston Marine Society where she controls over $30M in charitable assets. In addition to her robust qualifications, Martha's compassion, desire to protect, and laser sharp focus on her client's best interests set her apart as an attorney who instills warmth, confidence, and a sense of calm. Martha has the unique ability to make her client's feel safe through very unsettling times.
Clients need to feel confident about the legal process, the future of their children, and their own futures. There is a remarkable amount of trust that must exist in the attorney-client relationship in order for the client to gain this confidence, while providing Martha with the information she needs to perform at her requisite level of excellence. Martha is able to walk this delicate balance because she immediately makes her clients feel comfortable, with people often reporting that, when they meet Martha, they feel they can tell her anything. Further, Martha is adept at navigating the high emotions that often accompany family law matters by maintaining a focus on the big picture and future of her client's relationships.
"I attempt to exhaust all settlement opportunities prior to trial in an effort to preserve my client's emotional and financial resources, as well as the Courts. Where children are involved, settlement is often preferred to preserve a positive co-parenting relationship after divorce."
Martha is admitted to practice in all Courts of the Commonwealth and has experience in oral advocacy before the Probate Court, US District Court, Superior Court and the Massachusetts Appeals Court.
Bar Admissions
Massachusetts Supreme
Judicial Court
December 19, 1994
U.S. District Court,
Massachusetts
February 24, 1995
Certification Financial Litigator
May 2015
Oxford Round Table Member
2005–Present
New England School of Law
Juris Doctor
May 1994
Boston College | Graduate Certificate in Political Science
May 1988
Boston College | Bachelor of Arts
May 1985
Boston Maritime Society
Honorary Trustee Elected 2014
Assistant Treasurer Elected 2015
Boston Port & Seamen's Aid Society
Manager 2006-Present
Elected Treasurer annually 2010-Present
Massachusetts Bar Association
2008-Present
Mock Trial Judge 2009-Present
Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education
Faculty 2006-Present
Introducing and Excluding Evidence 2009-Present
Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys
2009-Present
North Shore Women Lawyers Association
2006-Present
Board of Directors 2010-2012
Essex Bar Association
2006-Present
Elected Director 2013-Present
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly
Board of Editors 2005-2008
Board of Editors 2013-2015
Boston Inn of Court
1998-Present
Executive Committee 1999-2008
Executive Committee 2013-2015
Boston Bar Association
1995-Present