e-Journal
11-18
Photograph by
Jennifer Rosinski
From left to right: Andrew P. Strehle, partner, Brown Rudnick LLP; MBA President Denise Squillante; Albert W. Wallis, executive director, Brown Rudnick Center For The Public Interest.
Brown Rudnick LLP donates $25,000 to MBA 2010-11 Mock Trial program
Brown Rudnick LLP through its Center for the Public Interest in
Boston on Tuesday presented the Massachusetts Bar Association with
a $25,000 check for the Mock Trial Program. The international law
firm has supported the program since 1998.
More than 100 schools across the state are expected to compete in
this year's 26th annual program, which kicks off in January with
preliminary trials. The program places high school teams from 16
regions across the state in a simulated courtroom situation.
This year's criminal case involves a charge of involuntary
manslaughter against a teenager for the death of two people in a
car accident. The defendant is accused of stealing a Stop sign as
part of a high school scavenger hunt.
The finals will be held on April 1. Last year, The Winsor School
of Boston won the state championship and placed 11th in the
national tournament.
News from the courts
SJC releases statement and Ware report
The Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court have received a
report from independent counsel Paul F. Ware, who was appointed to
conduct an administrative inquiry into alleged improprieties with
respect to the hiring and promotion of employees within the
Probation Department, as well as other practices and management
decisions within the Probation Department that have been called
into question.
Click here to view the report.
Click here to view a statement from the
justices
relative to the report.
LPM Tip
Do you ever find yourself with a laptop and no internet connection?
If you find yourself in a location with your laptop but no
connection, you may still be able to access the web. As long as you
have your smart phone and cable, you can "tether" your notebook to
the smart phone and use that as a modem for your internet
connection. According to Wikipedia, tethering is the use of a
mobile device with an internet connection as an internet gateway or
access point for another device. Tethering requires software
on the smart phone and software on your laptop that allows for an
internet connection through your cell phone data plan. For example,
using a droid, you can find several tethering programs that are
either free or very inexpensive on the phone's "Marketplace"
application. One such program, "pdanet" allows free use for all but
so-called secure Web sites (for example, those that you conduct
e-commerce on). For a small fee, pdanet has a more robust version
that allows you to connect to those sites as well. There are many
other applications for most mobile devices, only a Google search
away. The real utility of these tethering programs is that when you
unexpectedly find yourself without internet access, you can
download all the software on your smart phone, install it on the
phone and computer using the phone's data cable, and then connect
to the internet. The only caveat is that some cell phone providers
may not allow tethering or may impose limits on its use. You should
check your provider's policies before choosing to tether.
Tip courtesy of Robert S. White, Esq. of Bourgeois, Dresser,
White & McGourthy LLP.
Published November 18, 2010
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For more helpful tips, join the MBA's Law Practice Management
Section. Call MBA Member Services at (617) 338-0530 to join.
To learn more about the Law Practice Management Section,
contact Co-Chairs Andrea
Goldman or
Phil
Taylor.
Images from the 20th Annual Family Law Conference in Lenox. Photos by Paul Franz.
Did you miss a November conference?
20th Annual Family Law Conference was held Nov. 12-13 in Lenox; Ninth Annual Western Mass. Bankruptcy Conference provides trends overview
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Practitioners gather in Lenox for
20th Annual Family Law Conference
The state's premiere family law
practitioners gathered for another successful conference in Western
Massachusetts last weekend. "Ask the Experts: Raise the Bar! Using
Expert Advice from Various Disciplines to Enhance Your Family Law
Practice," the 20th anniversary of the event, featured a keynote
address and State of the Trial Court from Probate and Family Court
Chief Justice Paula M. Carey.
Attorneys who were unable to attend the event in Lenox can
purchase a recorded version through MBA On Demand next week.
Carey told the gathering that the state's probate courts are
handling an increasing number of cases and filings at the same time
that they are staffed at 72 percent overall, with some courts
staffed as low as 60 percent. She thanked attorneys whose pro bono
works have supported the courts in this time of crisis.
"We continue to do our jobs every day," Carey said. "We continue
to believe the work we do is tremendously important. We don't waver
on our commitment to justice in the courts and the rule of
law."
The weekend event at the Cranwell Resort, Spa & Golf Club in
Lenox kicked off with a reception Friday evening, where Berkshire
County Bar Association President Jack Houghton Jr. presented MBA
President Denise Squillante with a gift in celebration of the MBA's
100th anniversary. The gift was a framed print of Norman Rockwell's
"Freedom of Speech."
All-day educational programming on Saturday, Nov. 13 included,
State of the A.R.T.: The Law in the Age of Assisted Reproductive
Technology featuring the Hon. Anthony R. Nesi of Bristol Probate
and Family Court, Bankruptcy and Family Law: It's a Family Affair,
Identifying and Addressing Issues of Mental Health and Substance
Abuse, Asset Planning for Divorce Clients and, In Sickness and in
Health … Until Immigration Intervenes.
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Ninth Annual Western Massachusetts
Bankruptcy Conference
outlines recent bankruptcy trends
Practitioners and judges
met on Tuesday, Nov. 16 at the Western New England College School
of Law for the Ninth Annual Western Massachusetts Bankruptcy
Conference -- a program that has become a staple for Massachusetts
practictioners wishing to be updated on the most recent bankruptcy
trends.
Panelists, including lawyer pracitioners and judges, provided
participants with an overview of the issues practitioners may face
when contending with the means test and the pitfalls and issues
that can occur when representing small business debtors in
bankruptcy.
Attorneys who were unable to attend the event can purchase
program materials here.
MBA volunteer attorneys offer free legal advice and information to veterans, and families of veterans during the Nov. 17 Veterans Dial-A-Lawyer program.
Photos by Bill Archambeault.
Army reservist and other volunteers answer veterans’ legal questions
As part of the twice-a-year Veterans Dial-A-Lawyer Program, a
dozen volunteer attorneys answered 68 calls on Nov. 17 from
veterans seeking help with their legal problems.
"We were able to answer every call that came in to the Veterans
Dial-A-Lawyer Program," said LRS/Public Services Manager Claudia J.
Staten.
Paid for with a grant from the Massachusetts Bar Foundation, the
philanthropic partner of the Massachusetts Bar Association,
volunteers answered calls primarily related to family law issues
and veterans' benefits. The Veterans Dial-A-Lawyer Program is part
of the MBA's Serving Our Veterans in the Law effort.
One of the regular volunteers for the Dial-A-Lawyer Program is
Richard A. Sugarman, an Air Force veteran and current U.S. Army
Reserve major in the Judge Advocate General's Corps, assigned to
the 804th Medical Brigade headquarters based at Fort
Devens.
Sugarman, who has been mobilized with the Army since last
February, will be deploying to Iraq in early 2011.
"The MBA Dial-A-Lawyer programs in general (veterans and
non-veterans) are a great way for attorneys to help a large number
of people in need of legal advice without incurring a large time
commitment," Sugarman said, noting that the breadth of issues a
volunteer lawyer handles in one night can be "fascinating."
"As a veteran and current Army reservist myself, I am especially
drawn to wanting to help other veterans," he said. "With the state
of economy as it is, coupled with the surge in the number of
veterans facing legal issues, there is a great need to help these
veterans. The Veterans DAL programs provide an avenue to help the
veterans in an efficient and very beneficial way."
Representatives from the Department of Veterans Services were on
hand to help the volunteers with any questions that come up.
"We appreciate the funding through the Massachusetts Bar
Foundation and the partnership we have with the Department of
Veterans Services and Shelter Legal Services," said Elizabeth A.
O'Neil, the MBA's director of Community and Public Services. "The
Massachusetts Bar Association is committed to assisting veterans
with their legal problems."
The next program, which has not been scheduled, will be held in
the spring. Attorneys wishing to volunteer for the next program
should [e-mail lrs] or call (617) 338-0556.
Upcoming CLE seminar and program schedule
Register for the upcoming seminar "Examining the Anatomy of Enforceable Post-Nuptial Agreements" on Nov. 30
To register for the following
programs, call MBA Member Services at (617) 338-0530,
[e-mail membership] or visit the
CLE Web site. Scroll down for program
details, including dates and registration details.
Recorded session available for
purchase after live program through MBA On Demand.
Real-time webcast available for purchase
through MBA On Demand.
NOVEMBER CLE PROGRAMS
Examining the Anatomy of Enforceable
Post-Nuptial Agreements
Tuesday, Nov. 30, 4-7 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston
Legal Chat: What to do About that File
Languishing on Your Desk 
Friday, Dec. 3, noon-1 p.m.
NOTE: There is no on-site attendance for Legal
Chats.
Employment Law for Lawyers
Wednesday, Dec. 8, 4-7 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston
Eighth Annual In-House Counsel
Conference
Thursday, Dec. 9, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston
Legal Chat: Relationship Building During
the Holiday Season and Beyond
Friday, Dec. 10, noon-1 p.m.
NOTE: There is no on-site attendance for Legal
Chats.
'Tis the Season: Handling Snow and Ice
Cases
Wednesday, Dec. 15, 4-7 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston
Legal Chat: Traps for the
Unwary
Friday, Dec. 17, noon-1 p.m.
NOTE: There is no on-site attendance for Legal
Chats.
NOTE: The MBA CLE brochure will no
longer be mailed to MBA members, but will continue to be
featured online on a monthly basis. Online registration
for CLE programs is quick and simple.
Click here to view the brochure and register
for an upcoming program.
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Unable to attend these seminars?
Purchase the recorded session available after the live program
through
MBA On Demand and watch the presentation from the comfort of
your home or office.
To view a listing of current programs offered on MBA On Demand, click here.
Upcoming free Legal Chats
Social Media's Impact on Law Firms, Revenue and Brand; What to do About that File Languishing on Your Desk; Relationship Building During the Holiday Season and Beyond; Traps for the Unwary
Interested in attending real-time, interactive webcasts you can
watch, and participate in, from the comfort of your home or office?
Register now for upcoming Legal Chats.
NOTE: There is no on-site attendance available
for Legal Chats. If you are unable to participate virtually,
the recorded version of the program will be available at www.MassBar.org/OnDemand, after the
program takes place.
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Social Media's Impact on Law Firms,
Revenue and Brand
Friday, Nov. 19, noon-1
p.m.
Did you know you can directly impact
your practice by how you position yourself on social media? Learn
how AVVO.com impacts you and why. Find out if Martindale-Hubbell
really matters. Join Strategic Legal Marketing's Jay Campbell for a
focused look on how social media impacts your firm's bottom
line.
Click
here to register.
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What to do About that File
Languishing on Your Desk
Friday, Dec. 3, noon-1
p.m.
Every lawyer has a file that he or she is thinking
about right now. It is the one sitting on your desk, floor,
windowsill or worse. Dan C. Crane will offer useful tips on how to
get that file out of your thoughts at 3 a.m. and how to avoid other
files like it.
Crane advises lawyers and law firms on practice management and
other professional matters and was in private practice for over
twenty years before serving as chief bar counsel until
2006.
Click
here to register.
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Relationship Building During
the
Holiday Season and Beyond
Friday, Dec. 10, noon-1
p.m.
Whether you are in a job hunt or
looking to grow your law practice, building a strong professional
network is critical to your success. At the same time, December is
a challenging month for anyone who is unemployed. It is also
a slow month for generating new work. At this session, Stephen
Seckler shares with you some of the fundamentals of building
productive business relationships. Seckler suggests some ways to
make the most of the holiday season so that you have good momentum
moving into the new year.
Seckler is a marketing coach who has spent his whole legal
career helping lawyers who want to get more from their
careers.
Click
here to register.
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Traps for the Unwary
Friday, Dec. 17, noon-1
p.m.
Even the most talented and diligent
attorneys can be subject to a malpractice claim despite the fact
that the action is without merit. It is imperative that attorneys
learn what areas of practice are impacted most by malpractice
claims, the reasons these claims happen, and how to reduce the
risk.
Click
here to register.
Featured member benefit: Lawyer Referral Service
Looking to expand your client base? Join the MBA's Lawyer Referral Service and receive referrals in your community
The MBA's Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) is one of the largest
referral services of its kind, making more than 21,000 referrals
each year to its 1,000 attorney members throughout the state.
Joining the LRS offers you the opportunity to both expand your
client base and help the general public. We invite you to join now,
and invest in your professional future.
As an MBA member, you can participate in this program by
completing a separate application form which can be sent to you
upon request. Additionally, in order to join the LRS you must be in
good standing with the Board of Bar Overseers and provide a proof
of insurance by forwarding a Certificate of Insurance from your
current professional liability insurance carrier. The cost of
joining the LRS is either $100 or $150 depending on how long you
have been admitted to practice. Just one LRS referral can
cover the cost of your annual membership in both the MBA and the
LRS.
Over the past few years, the LRS has expanded its statewide
marketing to include:
- Development of radio campaigns;
- Marketing on the Internet via Google;
- Newly designed advertising in the Metro
Newspaper;
- MBTA trains, buses and subway platforms.
LRS will continue to advertise in the Verizon Yellow
Page books, allowing you to receive referrals within
your community.
To learn more about the LRS, call (617) 338-0556 or contact us
via e-mail. You can also access the LRS 2010-11
application via the MBA Web site.
Section News: Upcoming meetings and special section events
General Practice, Solo & Small-Firm Section Council meeting; Business Law Section Council meeting; Save the date: Civil Litigation Section open meeting; Save the date: Taxation Law Section Council open meeting
General Practice, Solo &
Small-Firm Section Council meeting
Monday, Nov. 22, 5:30-7
p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston
The next meeting of the General
Practice, Solo & Small-Firm Section Council is scheduled for
Monday, Nov. 22 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The guest speaker at this
meeting will be MBA President Denise Squillante. All section
members are invited to attend.
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Business Law Section Council
meeting
Tuesday, Nov. 23, 6-7:30
p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston
The next meeting of the Business Law
Section Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 23 from 6 to
7:30 p.m. All section members are invited to attend.
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SAVE THE DATE: Civil
Litigation Section open meeting
Wednesday, Dec. 1, 4:30-6
p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston
All section members are invited to
attend the Civil Litigation Section Council open meeting on
Wednesday, Dec. 1 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the MBA, 20 West
St., Boston. Paul Milligan, Christopher Perini and Kenneth
Rubinstein, co-chairs of the newly-formed Civil Litigation
Construction Law Committee will discuss the focus of the committee
and answer questions from interested Civil Litigation section
members.
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SAVE THE DATE: Taxation Law Section
Council open meeting
Wednesday, Dec. 8, 4-6
p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston
The Taxation Law Section will be
holding at open meeting at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 8, at which
members of the Taxation Law Section Council will lead a discussion
on divorce tax issues. The meeting will be open to Taxation Law
Section members, Family Law Section members, Probate Law Section
members and members of the Young Lawyers Division.