Press Release: Francine Gardikas Named a Top Woman of Law by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly

October 8, 2025

Boston, Framingham, Worcester, and Plymouth, MA – October 8, 2025 – Francine Gardikas, Partner at Bowditch & Dewey, has been named a Top Woman of Law by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.

The publication honors Gardikas as a partner in Bowditch’s Family Law practice who advocates for her clients in all forums, from the courtroom to alternative dispute resolution settings. Learning who her clients are as individuals, explaining the law, and guiding them through an often emotionally fraught process is always her priority. Continuously keeping a client’s needs and goals in mind, Gardikas works diligently on their behalf to provide well thought-out counsel and personal attention.

“Francine’s recognition as one of the Top Women of Law is a testament to her passion, care, and expertise in family law,” said Kristin Shirahama, Private Client Practice Area Leader at Bowditch. “Francine has proven to be a fierce advocate for her clients and has built an exceptional reputation in the legal community. This award is a well-deserved acknowledgement of her impact.”

Gardikas, who joined Bowditch in 2024 after more than 20 years at a midsize Boston firm, handles all components of divorce and family law, including child custody disputes, alimony and child support, modification and contempt actions, prenuptial agreements and postnuptial agreements, and more. With extensive litigation and negotiation experience, she has a track record of success handling high net worth and highly contested cases.

“I’m incredibly honored to be recognized among such a distinguished group of women making a difference in the legal community,” said Gardikas. “This recognition is particularly meaningful to me as a family law practitioner. I have the privilege of helping families navigate some of the most challenging moments of their lives, and this award underscores the importance of compassionate and dedicated advocacy in our field.”

Gardikas also works pro bono through Attorneys Representing Children (ARC), where she volunteers to represent children in court, most often in custody cases where it’s her role to advocate for the child’s best interests and wishes. Gardikas has been recognized by several leading publications in past years, including Best Lawyers in America, the Super Lawyer’s list, and Boston Magazine’s top lawyers list, among others.

ABOUT BOWDITCH & DEWEY LLP

Bowditch is a highly regarded law firm handling sophisticated transactions, challenging litigation and complex regulatory issues for businesses, families and institutions throughout Massachusetts, the region and beyond.

With more than 60 lawyers seamlessly connected in four strategic Massachusetts offices – Boston, Framingham, Plymouth and Worcester – Bowditch is deep in the areas of business and finance, real estate and environmental, litigation, employment, family law, and estate and tax planning, delivering outstanding client satisfaction and quality legal services.