Our Team

Lori A. Drayton, Founder

Lori A. 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.

Corey T. Pontes, Senior Associate

Corey T. Pontes is a Senior Associate at Drayton Law, P.C. concentrating his practice in the representation of landlords in all areas of residential and commercial landlord tenant law. He advises clients on eviction proceedings, collaborates with landlords to develop proactive strategies to prevent legal issues and mitigate risks, and assists in providing legal guidance to ensure his clients comply with Massachusetts rental regulations and fair housing laws.

Prior to joining Drayton law, Corey represented landlords in an area firm in all Housing Courts across Massachusetts. He worked as in-house counsel for a title insurance company and was the sessions clerk to the Honorable Keith C. Long in the Massachusetts Land Court. Corey provides excellent customer service to his clients and works tirelessly to achieve the desired result.

Erin N. McKenney, Associate

Erin N. McKenney is an Associate at Drayton Law, P.C. concentrating her practice in the representation of national property management companies and landlords in all aspects of residential and commercial landlord tenant law. She advises on lease contracts and defaults, discrimination claims, reasonable accommodation/modification requests, issues involving the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Housing. Erin represents market, affordable and subsidized property owners as well as large and small real estate investors on landlord tenant and housing law matters.

Prior to joining Drayton law, Erin worked in the area of commercial and residential real estate, including a high volume transactional practice.  She helped clients buy, sell, lease, and finance real estate of every kind, from the simple to the extremely complex. Erin is highly effective in working with clients to successfully and efficiently complete their real estate matters. Drayton Law’s clients will benefit from Erin’s depth of specialized experience and her passion in providing efficient and client-focused support.

Kathleen H. Kelly, Paralegal Manager

Kathleen H. Kelly is the Paralegal Manager at Drayton Law, P.C. where she brings over 30 years of comprehensive experience in legal assistance, paralegal leadership, and case management efficiency. She supports the firm’s landlord tenant and litigation practices. She assists with processing a high volume of summary process cases, drafting discovery and other pleadings as well as preparing all matters for trial.

Kathleen is known for her exceptional attention to detail, strong research skills, and ability to work well under pressure. She is a master at drafting legal documents, managing case files, and organizing complex legal information. Kathleen’s expertise not only enhances the firm’s operational efficiency but also contribute significantly to our ability to deliver exceptional service to our clients.