Jillise McDonough

Jillise McDonough is a skilled and aggressive criminal defense attorney serving clients throughout Massachusetts. As an Associate Attorney at the Law Offices of Rosemary Curran Scapicchio, she plays a central role in trial and appellate cases involving serious felonies, drug offenses, and homicide charges. Working closely alongside Attorney Scapicchio, Attorney McDonough has helped secure successful outcomes in high-stakes criminal cases in state and federal courts.

Attorney McDonough earned her B.S. from Northeastern University in 2009 and later received her J.D. summa cum laude from Suffolk University Law School in 2013. She also attended the United States Military Academy from 2004 to 2006. Her academic excellence and early legal training as a law clerk for the firm laid the foundation for her outstanding work in criminal defense.

Since starting with the firm as a law clerk in 2011 and becoming an attorney in 2013, Attorney McDonough has served as second chair in multiple homicide trials and post-conviction hearings. She played a pivotal role in overturning the wrongful first-degree murder conviction of Sean Ellis, a landmark victory in wrongful conviction advocacy. Her practice focuses on in-depth legal research, drafting persuasive appellate briefs, and preparing and assisting in high-stakes evidentiary hearings. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and confident courtroom presence, she is trusted with some of the firm’s most complex criminal and post-conviction matters.

In addition to her work on major firm cases, Attorney McDonough maintains her caseload, representing clients facing a wide range of criminal charges. Her reputation for tireless advocacy, strategic thinking, and courtroom strength has made her a rising figure in Massachusetts criminal law. She has been recognized as a Super Lawyer Rising Star for 2019 and 2020.

Jillise McDonough is admitted to practice in Massachusetts and the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Based in Boston at 107 Union Wharf, she continues to fight for justice and freedom for her clients at every stage of the criminal process.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Law Office of Rosemary C. Scapicchio
• Member, Massachusetts Bar Association
• Member, United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts

Licensed State

• Massachusetts

Education

• Suffolk University Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Northeastern University
  Bachelors of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges