Deborah G. Roher, Attorney at Law

About the firm

I am a sole practitioner serving the legal needs of individuals in their capacities as workers, consumers, taxpayers, and members of families. I offer dedicated and responsive personal service. Appointments are available during and outside regular business hours.

My office is conveniently located in downtown Fall River. I practice primarily in Bristol and Plymouth Counties (New Bedford, Fall River, Brockton), but may also be available for representation before courts or agencies located elsewhere.

Know Your Rights

What are some alternatives to high-interest loans promoted by income tax preparation services?

What happens in a bankruptcy case and what is involved in filing one?

What are class actions and why do conservatives hate them so much?

What laws can prevent identify theft, and why does the credit reporting industry oppose them?

My friend just bought a used car. She felt she was taken advantage of by high-pressure sales tactics and that on second thought the car was not a good deal. Doesn't she have three days to cancel the sale?

Attorney Profile

A graduate of Yale College and the Antioch School of Law, Attorney Deborah G. Roher represented low-income people as a staff attorney in Kentucky from 1980-86 and in Southeastern Massachusetts from 1987-2000, in which capacity she was also an active member of the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW Local 2320. She opened her own practice in 2000, capitalizing on her familiarity with the legal issues encountered most often by clients of modest means. She is admitted to practice in Massachusetts, the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts, and the U.S. Tax Court.

Attorney Roher is an active member of the National Association of Consumer Advocates and the National Lawyers Guild. These professional associations afford the opportunity to consult or co-counsel with highly experienced lawyers in the areas in which she practices, as well as advocating in the public arena for human rights, fairness in the marketplace, and justice for all.

Attorney Roher wrote the well-read "Know Your Rights" column in the Fall River Herald News for almost fifteen years. The column has now moved to this site.

Practice Areas

Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is a way for people who are over their heads in debt to get a fresh start. Filing bankruptcy instantly freezes almost all ongoing collection activity -- including lawsuits, utility shutoffs, repossessions, garnishments, and foreclosures -- giving you time, under court supervision, to reorganize your financial affairs. Most kinds of debt, notably including credit card debt, can be discharged in bankruptcy -- that is, wiped out permanently to the extent you cannot
reasonably repay. If you have debt problems, please call for a free
consultation.

Employment
If you have a problem involving unemployment insurance, discrimination, Family and Medical Leave Act, wage and hour, or other job-related issue, I can help. Initial consultation for most such issues is free of charge. Fee arrangements for representation are flexible; fees may be contingent or mixed hourly/contingent.

Housing
Whether your problem involves housing conditions, security deposit, eviction, public or subsidized housing, I may be able to help. I advise and represent both landlords and tenants in Housing Court matters.

Family and Probate
I handle selected divorce, child support, name change, guardianship, and related problems in Bristol and Plymouth Counties.

Legal Writing and Editing
I am happy to receive inquiries from other counsel about drafting motions and briefs to assist you in your litigation practice. Writing samples are available on request.