About Us

About Our Law Firm in Northborough, MA

Who We Are

From law offices in Northborough and Natick, Massachusetts, I derive great professional satisfaction from helping people make important decisions and solve problems before they begin. Estate planning, probate and elder law are ideal fields for me to work in because I am convinced that I make a real difference for each client.


Past and current clients, as well as legal professionals who cross paths with me, often say that I am compassionate, sincere and personable. I draw on many strengths as well as many years of legal education and experience as I support and empower my clients to make the right decisions for their health and legacies.


Our Purpose

Committed to Protecting What Matters Most

Our mission is simple: to provide our clients with the legal expertise and compassionate support they need to make informed decisions about their future. We understand that planning for the unexpected can be overwhelming, but our goal is to create a nurturing, nonjudgmental environment where you feel comfortable discussing your concerns.

From crafting estate plans that reflect your wishes to assisting with elder law matters, we aim to give you peace of mind knowing that your loved ones and legacy are protected.

Our Attorneys


Our Staff


Freeda Vanikiotis

Paralegal

Freeda graduated from Worcester State University with a B.A. in English and a minor in Education. Her goal was to teach at the secondary level, however, her path in life directed her to working in the legal profession for the past twenty-five years. During that time, Freeda has worked in various areas of law, including commercial banking, real estate, worker’s compensation, and estate planning. She speaks fluent Greek. Freeda belongs to an organization that supports educational opportunities for youth in Vietnam, Africa, and Haiti.


In her free time, she enjoys shopping with her daughter, watching her son golf, perusing local Real Estate websites, reading, and relaxing on the beach with her husband.

Emily E. Bordenski, J.D.

Paralegal

Emily began her education at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), graduating with a Distinction in Major in Health Administration and Policy. During her time at UMBC, Emily was a member of the Health Administration and Policy Committee Board and co-founded the university’s Circle K International club. She then went on to earn her Juris Doctorate from New England Law | Boston where she focused her courses, internships, and pro bono activity on health and elder law. In 2017, Emily was awarded the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award for her work in elder justice and was named to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Pro Bono Honor Roll for providing over 50 hours of pro bono legal services within the year.


Emily officially began her career in estate planning and elder law in 2021. In her spare time, Emily enjoys reading, going to the movies, exploring new breweries, traveling, and spending time with her fiancé, Travis, and goldendoodle, Tessie.

Sydney R. Despres, J.D.

Paralegal

Sydney graduated cum laude from Worcester State University with a B.S. in Criminal Justice and a minor in History. She was honored with membership to Omicron Delta Kappa, Chi Alpha Sigma, and Alpha Phi Sigma honor societies, a testament to her dedication and leadership during her time at WSU. Sydney served as a two-year captain of the varsity softball team, earning two-time Player of the Year honors for her conference and an impressive All-American distinction. She went on to further her education, earning her Master of Arts in Criminology from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, before setting her sights on the legal field. Sydney then earned her Juris Doctorate from New England School of Law in Boston, solidifying her commitment to serving others and making a meaningful impact in her clients' lives. When she's not working, Sydney enjoys unwinding with a good book, knitting, and staying competitive on the softball diamond as a proud member of her travel slow pitch softball team, the Rally Pigs. Above all, she cherishes the time she spends with her husband and her three beloved kitties, Max, Salem, and Shuri.

Daniel Wells

Paralegal

Daniel Wells is currently a J.D. candidate at Vermont Law School and he is preparing for the CPA licensure examinations. Dan attended the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina and graduated in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in economics. While at USC, he was awarded the Capstone Honors scholarship for academic excellence.


Dan brings extensive legal experience in real estate transactions, land-use zoning and planning, corporate formation and governance, and tax law. He has developed a specialized focus on trusts and estates and probate matters in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. His combined business, accounting, and legal background allows him to provide practical, comprehensive counsel to individuals, families, and business owners navigating complex estate planning, asset protection, and business succession needs.



In his spare time, Dan enjoys back-country skiing, sailing, and working on home improvement projects. He also loves spending time with his German Shepherd Schnuffel, and his two cats, Olive and Lola.

Beth Labonte

Legal Assistant

Beth graduated from UMass Amherst with a B.A. in Sociology with a concentration in Criminal Justice. She has worked as a legal assistant in the areas of foreclosure, bankruptcy, personal injury, real estate, and estate planning. She also spent eleven years as an Administrative Assistant for a civil engineering firm. Beth has written several novels, one of which was turned into a Hallmark Channel original movie. She enjoys reading, puzzles, and spending time with her husband, son, and cat, Spruce.

Shontay Anderson

Legal Assistant

Shontay graduated from Utah Tech University with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, specializing in Criminology. Before becoming a Virtual Legal Assistant, Shontay spent four years at the Justice Court as a Judicial Assistant in Washington County, Utah, where she served in many different roles. Shontay has worked in various areas of law including criminal, estate planning, small claims and real estate. 


She is committed to the ideals of compassion, justice and equality. An INFJ personality type (The Advocate), she loves researching the psychology as to why people behave the way they do. Shontay enjoys spending her free time with her family, including her two children, Declan (2 years old) and Jade (5 years old). She has also visited all fifty states.

Kate Hanratty

Legal Assistant

Kate will be completing her associate's degree in Criminal Justice this year from Quinsigamond Community College and plans to continue her education in Paralegal Studies. She has worked hard toward her goals and is excited to keep building her future in the legal field.


She also has experience working at Worcester Probate & Family Court as a docketing clerk for one of the judges, where she gained valuable firsthand experience in a professional court setting. Her time there helped her develop strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a better understanding of how the court system works.


Outside of school and work, Kate enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and being with her three dogs. She loves taking long nature walks and appreciates the simple things that bring balance and happiness to life. Kate is hardworking, kind, and motivated, with an exciting future ahead of her.