Danielle G. Van Ess

Danielle founded DGVE law, LLC in September of 2008 with a vision for a new kind of law firm based on a philosophy of compassionately providing high quality, holistic legal services in a friendly and relaxed manner, in a comfortable setting and in an environmentally conscientious way. Danielle enjoys the privilege of working with people of all ages, in all stages of life, from all types of families, through enthusiastic referrals from clients to their friends and family members. As a mother of 4 young daughters (currently spanning a range from Kindergarten to High School), Danielle is deeply empathetic regarding the time constraints and pressing legal needs of families like her own, doing her best to make the process of obtaining legal assistance as painless as possible. Originally from Swampscott on the North Shore, Danielle earned her B.A. with honors from The George Washington University in Washington, DC. After earning her J.D. from Boston University School of Law in May of 2001, Danielle was licensed and sworn into the practice of law. She then spent 7 years working as a lawyer for national nonprofit organizations. In 2007, Danielle decided to shift practice areas and pursue her dream of starting her own law firm. Danielle serves as Immediate Past President of the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Forum of Estate Planning Attorneys, and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Hingham Cemetery in downtown Hingham Square.

Boston University School of Law

J.D.

1998 - 2001

The George Washington University Law School

B.A.

1994 - 1998

Owner & Principal Attorney

DGVE law, LLC

2008 - Current

At DGVE law® we're helping people add to, protect, & move their families® by providing high quality, professional legal services in the areas of adoption, estate planning, & residential real estate. We maintain a special focus on the unique needs of parents of minor children.

President

Massachusetts Forum of Estate Planning Attorneys

2018 - 2018

Independent Legal Consultant

Southwest Center for Law & Policy

2007 - 2008

Part-time independent legal consultant on a wide range of issues related especially to domestic and sexual violence against Native American women and children. Conducted research for SWCLAP to prepare and present materials for trainings, national teleconferences, and publication.

Staff Attorney and Lead Trainer

National Center on Full Faith and Credit

2002 - 2005

Staff Attorney and Lead Trainer for the NCFFC, a national project formerly of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (now part of the Battered Women's Justice Project). Focused on the interjurisdictional enforcement of protection/restraining orders, custody and support orders, and the federal and corresponding state laws on interjurisdictional domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault. Responded to requests for technical assistance from and traveled extensively to conduct trainings for a wide variety of disciplines including judges, prosecutors, law enforcement officers, civil legal services attorneys, and lay advocates. Responded to direct requests for assistance from survivors of domestic violence. Wrote articles for judicial newsletters and other publications. Conducted site visits nationally to research best practices regarding firearms in domestic violence cases for subsequent publication.

Reader's Choice Award

Wicked Local

2018

Reader's Choice Award

Wicked Local

2017

#1 choice attorney / lawyer in Hingham 2017

Reader's Choice Award

Wicked Local

2016

#1 choice attorney / lawyer in Hingham 2016

40 Under 40 Award

Cape & Plymouth Business Magazine

2011

Cape & Plymouth Business 40 Under 40 Awards spotlight the region's top young business leaders who excel in their industry and show dynamic leadership. Working in conjunction with the Cape Cod Young Professionals and South Shore Young Professionals, hundreds of nominees were culled down to the 40 who best exemplified an entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to community service and potential to positively contribute to the future of our region.

Hingham Cemetery Corporation

Board of Directors

2019 - Current

Activities: Active member of the Board of Directors for the Hingham Cemetery.

Massachusetts Forum of Estate Planning Attorneys

Secretary (2020), Immediate Past President (2019), President (2018), Vice-President (2017)

2010 - Current

Activities: The Massachusetts Forum of Estate Planning Attorneys is collegial and collaborative group that interacts and meets regularly to stay on top of the most recent changes to and developments in the law. Danielle has been a regular and active participant since July 2010, has served on the Board of Directors since 2013.

Massachusetts

Since 2008

Virginia

Since 2001

• Credit Cards Accepted
• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  Mostly flat fees. Hourly billing for Probate.

Estate Planning

Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills

Probate

Probate Administration, Probate Litigation, Will Contests

Business Law

Business Contracts, Business Dissolution, Business Finance, Business Formation, Business Litigation, Franchising, Mergers & Acquisitions, Partnership & Shareholder Disputes