General Practice, Solo & Small-Firm Newsletter
November
GPSSF Leadership from left to right: Peter T. Elikann, chair, Law office of Peter T. Elikann, Boston (left) and John B. DiSciullo, vice chair, Mitchell & Desimone, Boston (right).
Message from GPSSF leadership
The General Practice Solo & Small-Firm Section is arguably
the section of the Massachusetts Bar Association that most broadly
touches and encompasses the interests of almost the entire MBA
membership. This is because the vast majority of all MBA members
work in small firms or as solo practitioners as, in fact, do most
Massachusetts lawyers. Whether one practices in the field of family
law, criminal law, personal injury or, in fact, virtually any area
of the law, chances are the GPSSF Section is involved in your
interests.
The GPSSF Section assists members by studying the needs and
concerns of solo, small firm practitioners, providing a forum and
clearinghouse for the exchange and dissemination of ideas and
information, motivating and assisting the MBA to address members'
needs and concerns, and encouraging, identifying and promoting
programs, benefits and services for solo and small firm
practitioners.
The GPSSF Section is only in its fourth year of existence and the
2010-2011 year is poised to launch its strongest year ever in
solidifying its place as the heart and soul of the MBA. The section
council is comprised of a particularly heavyweight crew of dynamic
MBA veterans and new faces.
The two most ambitious goals this year - the centerpiece of our
efforts - are:
- To provide a series of workshops and educational programs
throughout the year, and
- To launch the first of what may be an annual day-long
educational conference perhaps in partnership with the Law Practice
Management Section and the Lawyers in Transition Committee.
In addition, we will be heightening out visibility through a
variety of efforts.
In coordination with MBA President Denise Squillante's statewide
outreach, we plan to formulate an Outreach Program to the legal
community across the Commonwealth. We hope to gain new members for
the section and, in fact, the entire MBA while at the same time
assisting and educating them in facing the common issues of solo
and small practice.
We are sponsoring a GPSSF Section night of volunteering for the
Dial-A-Lawyer program on Wednesday, Jan. 5.
We hope to hold a joint meeting with chairs of the GPSSF Sections
or their equivalent of the Boston Bar Association and Women's Bar
Association to explore cross-pollination opportunities that might
be coordinated between these separate bar associations.
We'll be surveying and polling our membership to determine what
specific programs they'd like us to facilitate with particular
emphasis on which educational programs are needed and in-demand and
we will be increasing the value of the section webpage and blog
with articles giving direction and advice to the solo practitioner
or member of a small firm.
We are also exploring the issue of how to increase the GPSSF's
membership in light of the fact that many MBA members just join one
section that may be focused on substantive law.
As stated, this is the year that the relatively new GPSSF Section
is making an all-out comprehensive effort as it successfully stamps
its mark on the MBA map and the GPSSF Section Council will continue
its monthly meetings and provide events at which section members
can network and expand their practices.
To help you, as a section member, take advantage of these
opportunities, the GPSSF Section Council is looking for ideas
regarding topics and speakers for upcoming section meetings to
provide you with issues and opportunities that meet the needs of
your practice.
Please contact either of us at [e-mail jstevens] if you have comments or
suggestions for open meetings, CLE programs, Web page links or
newsletter items.
Peter T. Elikann, chair
John B. DiSciullo, vice chair
General Practice, Solo & Small-Firm Section
Council