Jillian Nee

Background

About Jillian Nee

Jillian M. Nee joined The Law Office of Sarah Westra as a paralegal in 2022 while attending New England Law. Before graduation and passing the bar exam, she conducted research, drafted motions to be presented to the Court, and supported with oral argument. In 2024, she joined the practice as a full-time associate, assuming greater caseload responsibility, such as restraining order extensions, clerk magistrate hearings, and OUI trials. Her aim as a criminal defense attorney centers on a client-focused approach. She prioritizes having a full understanding of her client’s story, enabling her to provide an accurate representation of the facts to the court. This strengthens her ability as a client advocate, ensuring that they are given the opportunity to be heard. Recognizing that legal procedures can be confusing and intimidating, she displays empathy and compassion to help clients understand the process while guiding them through each stage of litigation. Before a court hearing, Jillian meets with her clients to ensure that they are thoroughly prepared. She offers an upfront and realistic assessment of the situation, devoid of promises, believing that this care gives her clients peace of mind. Her interest in helping her clients improve their lives extends beyond courtroom advocacy, and she often shares available resources. Clients describe her as honest, thorough, and transparent. Jillian is capable of effectively arguing complex legal issues, even when facing anticipated disagreement from the judge or the Commonwealth. She is skilled at balancing zealous advocacy with tact and diplomacy by means of thorough trial preparation. She believes preparation is critical to effective oral advocacy and representation, prioritizing equitable legal processes and due process. She interned with the City of Boston in the Office of Economic Development. In this role, she helped create events for small business owners, many of whom were minority or immigrant owners. While in law school, she focused on trial practice and criminal law, earning a certificate in criminal practice and procedure. Awareness of wrongful convictions has influenced her perspective on the criminal justice system. Jillian is a strong advocate for rehabilitation and sees the system as a key area for promoting equity in society, particularly regarding race and socioeconomic status. She believes that the government must always meet its burden of proof, and it is this fundamental view that makes her a valuable lawyer within the practice.#criminaldefense #advocate #litigator #burdenofproof