Section Membership
Shaping policy, positively impacting practice
About the MBA Sections
The majority of MBA members belong to one or more sections to keep current with developments in the law and to expand their circle of contacts in the legal profession. Participation in one section is included as part of membership; however, members can join additional sections at the cost of $50 each.
The work of the sections is led by its councils, which each comprises a chair and up to 15 members appointed by the president of the MBA. Sections typically develop more than 100 education programs peryear, as well as monitor and develop legislation, propose legislative positions to the House of Delegates and participate in the development of legal publications, articles and special projects.
For information on section council
leadership,
click here.
For the latest
Section Council Spotlight news that appeared in
MBA Lawyers Journal,
click here.
Click here to read the
2006-07 Year in Review: The Year in Section Council Committee and Task Force Developments.
Practice groups
For many section members, the primary way to become actively involved in the section is to join a practice group. The MBA's more than 60 practice groups are as varied as the field of law, therefore, if your practice includes many facets of a specific section, you may join one or all practice groups in that section.
For example, the Family Law section includes practice groups like Children's Rights and Alternative Dispute Resolution, while Civil Litigation includes ten practice groups, such as Appellate Practice, Insurance Law and Animal Rights.
For more information about all of the MBA's practice groups or to join a practice group, click here.
Sections
Access to JusticeThe Access to Justice Section supports lawyers who provide representation through legal service organizations, court-appointed criminal defense or other pro-bono activities. The section focuses the attention of the bar on the legal needs of those who cannot afford counsel.
Business LawThe Business Law Section improves the practice of both in-house and outside business counsel through seminars, practical forums, legislation and committee activity in a wide variety of areas such as: high technology, small business, bankruptcy, banking and commercial law.
Civil LitigationThe Civil Litigation Section meets with decision-makers and experts at seminars and informal forums, is regularly involved with such issues as workers’ compensation, auto insurance, management of the trial court, tort reform and discovery rules.
Criminal JusticeThe Criminal Justice Section provides a forum for all criminal practitioners -- defense and prosecution -- to exchange ideas, experiences and positions. This results in well-balanced education programs and legislative review. This shared perspective also enhances the MBA’s ability to effectively represent the criminal litigation bar as a whole.
Family LawThe Family Law Section improves the Probate and Family Court’s accessibility and efficiency for the benefit of lawyers, judges, staff and the public. This section keeps its members current with educational seminars, updates on legislative activity and bench/bar networking opportunities.
General Practice, Solo & Small FirmThe Massachusetts Bar Association is pleased to announce the establishment of the General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Section Council, which became effective on Jan. 25. Led by co-chairs Patrick Francomano and Susan A. Huettner, the new section promises to keep MBA members current on developments and trends affecting solo and small firm practitioners.
Health LawThe Health Law Section improves the professional competence of attorneys dealing with health care issues through seminars and publications. It strives to bring together all members interested in the practice and delivery of health care.
Individual Rights & ResponsibilitiesThe Individual Rights and Responsibilities Section advocates for the protection of individual rights, with an emphasis on those who are under-represented in the judicial system.
Judicial AdministrationThe Judicial Administration Section promotes the fair and efficient administration of justice within the courts of the Commonwealth. With members from both bench and bar, the section monitors the Trial Court budget and supports proposals for more efficient use of court resources.
Labor and EmploymentThe Labor and Employment Section brings together representatives of employees, employers, labor organizations, the neutral sector, state and federal agencies, arbitrators, and mediators, providing a forum for all segments of the employment bar.
Law Practice ManagementThe mission of the Law Practice Management (LP) Section is to provide practical education, tools and assistance with the business of practicing law, focusing on issues of law office marketing, budgeting and finance, management and use of technology to enhance the practice of law, so that lawyers may better serve clients while improving the quality of their own lives and practices.
Probate LawThe Probate Law Section concentrates on legal and practical issues in the areas of estate planning, elder law and probate administration and litigation. Section members are involved in Probate Court procedures; shaping legislation and practice methods that update and improve practice areas.
Property LawThe Property Law Section monitors and comments on legislation, litigation and real property practice trends affecting attorneys who deal with commercial, residential, landlord/tenant, convenyancing and environmental concerns.
Public LawThe Public Law Section, comprised of both public and private sector attorneys, is a forum for discussion and education concerning practice as a government lawyer and as a private attorney representing, dealing with, or practicing before government agencies.
Taxation LawThe Taxation Section reviews and suggests legislation; provides educational services to the section and the bar; and serves as the liaison between the section membership and the MBA House of Delegates.