See What Others Have to Say

In addition to being a talented lawyer, Jay Theise is an experienced and knowledgeable negotiator and problem solver. Jay knows how to use the factual, legal and physiological dimensions of a complex dispute between two or more parties to construct a fair, acceptable agreement. He has a talent for lateral, multi-dimensional thinking that often yields an innovative solution to a difficult legal and/or business problem.

Jay Theise is the ideal person to serve as mediator and arbitrator. During the last 15 years that has advised me in various complicated and occasionally nasty commercial disputes, he has consistently demonstrated a mastery of legal skills. More important are his street smarts, as he often astonished me by finding just the right tactic to use at an ideal moment to turn a difficulty situation around.

Jay Theise has always performed at the highest level as a counselor of law. He has a genius for crafting equitable solutions, and he is deeply insightful about people and their legal issues. He has tremendous patience and strong leadership skills that are essential to the practice of mediation.

As a Trustee of the Martha’s Vineyard Diversity Coalition (MVDC), I assumed responsibility for getting the MVDC legal counsel, and turned to Martin (“Skip”) Tomassian, president of the Duke’s County Bar Association, seeking pro bono help for this important fledgling organization. 



In less than 24 hours, the Bar Association referred me to Attorney Jay Theise, who most graciously, efficiently and timely met with me and another MVDC founder, explained in detail the perils of operating without the protection of being a Massachusetts Charitable Corporation or Trust, and gave us a full and detailed no-obligation consultation. His advice included a delineation of Federal Tax opportunities and fund raising protocols; an outlining of our roles and responsibilities; reviewing our first grant contract in formation, and, with our authorization, created, finalized, and processed the required documentation. Further to accelerate implementing the legal structure as rapidly as possibly, Jay even went to the point of traveling to multiple island locations to obtain the signatures of seven Trustees on his newly created documents. Finally, prior to meeting Jay, certain of our Members had already signed important documents, which after Attorney Theise’s creation of the Massachusetts-recognized Martha’s Vineyard Diversity Coalition Charitable Trust, Attorney Theise was able to renegotiate substituting the new Trust as the legally recognized party. 

In an unimaginably short time, MVDC became a legal entity, providing our Coalition with the legal structure of a charitable non-profit trust with all of the legal protections provided by Massachusetts law, successfully renegotiated previously signed agreements, and provided the newly formed Board with a general presentation of its rights and responsibilities. Jay’s legal acumen, kind guidance and generosity of time must be a rarity in the realm of pro bono assistance. 

I met Jay Theise while sailing with a mutual friend. This was purely social and we got along very well. I was impressed with Jay’s straightforward approach.

Sometime later I was in need of litigation counsel, as a result of volunteer work I was doing for an Island non-profit. I sought Jay’s perspective on my situation and decided to engage him. This matter involved a trial as well as negotiations. I was both pleased and impressed with the way Jay prepared me for my deposition and his research of the matters at hand.

Recently there was a land use issue which affected both myself and my neighbors, in West Tisbury. By the time I asked Jay for help I had approached four different law firms for help with this intrusive issue, with very disappointing results. Even though Jay was not experienced in land use issues he stepped in and took up the cudgel to help us out. Through diligent research and tireless efforts Jay found answers to our neighborhood issues and was able to thwart additional development which was on the brink of approval from the town. The solution to this challenge involved diligent research combined with skillful negotiating with both the opposing development team and the neighbors.

Throughout all Jay Theise was always immediately available. He is a consummate professional.

Sincerely yours,