Our Team

Lori Drayton, Founder

Lori Drayton has over 20 years of experience as a trial attorney specializing in the representation of Landlords. She represents the most elite national management companies and large landlords in summary process cases, civil actions and complex litigation involving affordable, subsidized and market housing. She has litigated thousands of landlord tenant cases throughout every Housing Court in Massachusetts. She is often referred to as an expert in fair housing regulations, reasonable accommodation requirements and housing discrimination claims. Lori appears in court daily to mediate cases as well as to conduct substantive motions and trials in a high-volume housing law practice.

Lori has been named within the “Top 50 Women of Law” by Lawyers Weekly and a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers. She is the predominant Landlord Tenant attorney throughout Massachusetts. She has conducted civil and criminal trials in Housing, Superior, District and Juvenile Courts through Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. She regularly lectures on behalf of MCLE on housing law matters. She is an adjunct professor at Suffolk University.

Prior to transitioning to private practice, Lori was an Assistant District Attorney with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. She was responsible for all phases of criminal prosecution in five district courts throughout the Commonwealth. Lori prosecuted hundreds of juvenile and adult matters. She was also the Assistant District Attorney in charge of the drug court and substance abuse rehabilitation initiatives in Boston, Charlestown and Chelsea.

Lori regularly receives accolades for her dedication to her community. She worked with the Greater Boston Real Estate Board to craft legislation that protects victims of domestic violence. She advised the Governor’s Criminal Justice Advisory Board on matters involving housing. She recently received an award by the Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center for her commitment to the community including running the Norfolk Lawyer for the Day program, pro bono work, her position as the President of the IGO School PTO and School Council member as well as her work on the Leadership Team of the Sage School. Her numerous awards and accolades bring notice to her tireless efforts to create an impact on her surroundings.

She is an active member of the Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island Bar Associations.

Crystal Fanter, Associate

Crystal Fanter is an Associate Attorney here at Drayton Law who brings a wealth of experience in both civil and criminal law. As a civil litigation attorney, Crystal has handled a high volume of diverse cases across both District and Superior Courts throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Her diligent approach and dedication ensured effective counsel for her clients.

Prior to Crystal’s civil litigation career, she served as an Assistant District Attorney for the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office. She has successfully prosecuted a wide array of felony and misdemeanor cases, handling them from arraignment through trial. Crystal’s prosecutorial experience offered her extensive courtroom exposure, reinforcing her strong advocacy skills and strategic approach to legal representation.

Crystal’s robust experience within the legal field, combined with her commitment to her community, make her a valuable addition to Drayton Law.