Lawyers e-Journal
Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010
Top: Family Law Conference Co-Chairs Thomas J. Barbar, Veronica J. Fenton and Marc E. Fitzgerald.
Bottom: Judicial faculty at the 20th Annual Family Law Conference includes Hon. Paula M. Carey, Hon. Anne Geoffrion and Hon. Anthony R. Nesi. Not pictured: Hon. Joan P. Armstrong and Hon. Linda S. Fidnick.
Enhancements featured at next week's 20th Annual Family Law Conference
For the first time in its 20 year history, the Massachusetts Bar
Association's Family Law Conference will offer a breakout
educational session and judges on nearly every panel, including
those discussing the hot topics of bankruptcy and assisted
reproductive technology. These enhancements make this version of
the popular program -- held Nov. 12-13 at the Cranwell Resort, Spa
& Golf Club in Lenox -- a must for practitioners.
"We've really tried to give people what they are looking for,"
said Conference Co-Chair and MBA Executive Management Board member
Veronica J. Fenton, who said surveys from past attendees were
considered when building this year's conference. "This is the
premiere family law event for both our most seasoned attorneys and
our newer practitioners."
This year's conference theme is, "Ask the Experts: Raise the Bar!
Using Expert Advice from Various Disciplines to Enhance Your Family
Law Practice." The conference will open with a cocktail reception
on Nov. 12, with educational programming taking place all day Nov.
13.
One unique topic of this year's conference is: State of
the A.R.T.: The Law in the Age of Assisted Reproductive
Technology. The program, which will examine the law of
assisted reproductive technology from both an academic and
pragmatic perspective, features the Hon. Anthony R. Nesi of Bristol
Probate and Family Court.
"It's something that's happening more and more, and it's going to
continue to come up," Conference Co-Chair and Family Law Section
Chair Marc E. Fitzgerald said of reproductive technology. Added
fellow Conference Co-Chair Thomas J. Barbar, "the legal issues are
lagging way behind the medical issues. We need to be educated on
all of the issues."
Another session you "don't want to miss," according to Barbar is
Bankruptcy and Family Law: It's a Family Affair. A
panel of attorney experts will discuss the implications bankruptcy
has on family law matters.
In addition to the relevant education programming, Barbar said the
conference also offers practitioners a chance to trade notes with
others in the field. "It's a good way to discuss family law cases
with each other. I think that's a very valuable aspect of the
conference - to share experiences with other lawyers."
Click
here to register and for a full list of faculty.