An area firm bent on harassing me filed a specious charge, and I was at a loss as to how to protect my reputation. As they’d been the ones pulling unethical stunts, that ordeal rankled deeply. At the same time, I was far out of my element. I turned to local attorney Shannon McMahon, though I’d known her only slightly; thanks to a coincidental insight, I’d come to hold her in high esteem. … Recently, I then learned, Ms. McMahon had joined an area firm with a corporate clientèle. Being unavailable, she expressed regret, then warmly recommended Ms. Hendrie, a classmate at U. Mass. Dartmouth Law School. And how grateful I am for that referral! … Ms. Hendrie managed to fit me into her calendar, and with rare efficiency had mapped out a plan of attack. Before I knew it, she’d discreet overtures to opposing counsel. In essence, that entity responded as she’d foreseen. The charges wound up provisionally dropped; it seems that’s how such cases work. Then, after 30 days, it was as if the whole mess had never happened: no trace of the retailer’s smear remains. … I’ll always be grateful that Ms. McMahon saw fit to recommend Ms. Hendrie. In Melissa’s capable hands, I found my way to what was literally the best-case scenario. She’s a true professional and, like her colleagues, knows which players in this arena represent the best prospective allies. Plus, I could tell she truly cares about clients’ priorities, not to mention one’s peace of mind. … To put that distressing matter behind me, things had to be done right — in all respects. Ms. Hendrie made it happen, and I trust her implicitly. I also saw her at court on another occasions, when she represented another client; then, too, I formed quite a favorable impression. As a result of all these factors, I’ll never hesitate to share Ms. Hendrie’s name with friends, relatives or business associates; she’s an ace.