Photograph by Tricia Oliver

From left to right: MBA Centennial Award honoree Nancy Stanton, MBA Vice President Douglas K. Sheff, MBA President Denise Squillante, MBA Centennial Award honoree Robert Marchand and MBA Secretary Marsha V. Kazarosian.

Squillante bestows first MBA Centennial Awards, receives key to the city

Massachusetts Bar Association President Denise Squillante presented the first two MBA Centennial Awards at a Sept. 30 Bristol County Bar Association reception in Swansea, an event at which Squillante was also honored by her hometown.

"It is quite humbling to be at his podium, in this moment, in this centennial year of the MBA," said Squillante, who announced the creation of the MBA Centennial Award after receiving the key to her native city from Fall River Mayor William A. Flanagan.

Following remarks outlining her focus for the MBA's association year, Squillante shifted the evening's spotlight to Nancy Stanton and Robert Marchand, the first recipients of the award. These were the first two awards that will be bestowed across the commonwealth in the coming months.

Awardees are recognized for their "extraordinary achievement" in advancing the rule of law, the integrity of the profession and in preserving the founding democratic principles of our nation.

Squillante noted Stanton's efforts in putting together a volunteer conciliation proposal to be considered by the Supreme Judicial Court for use in the small claims session of the District Court, among many accolades. Likewise, Squillante pointed to Marchand's dedicated service to Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers in assisting colleagues who are often going through their most difficult professional moments. Both were on hand to receive the honor.

"For their service, we thank them," said Squillante. "They will be examples for lawyers who follow them in the next centennial as to what service does mean to the profession and to the community as a whole."

Back by popular demand

Participate in the MBA's FREE Legal Chats

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.

Changes to the Massachusetts Personal Records Act 

Friday, Oct. 22, noon-1 p.m.

Significant changes have been made to the Massachusetts Personnel Records Act. Join Rubin and Rudman's Denise I. Murphy, Esq. as she discusses how these changes will impact the work of human resources professionals/management and how to now approach employee relations and personnel records.

Click here to register.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

JUST ADDED

Overview of the First Circuit's decision in REBA for Massachusetts v. NREIS Inc.

Tuesday, Oct. 26, 4-5 p.m.

The First Circuit has asked the Supreme Judicial Court to advise it whether, and to what extent, conducting real estate closings constitutes the practice of law. Oral arguments are scheduled for Nov. 2.

Two of the attorneys involved in The Real Estate Bar Association for Massachusetts, Inc. v. National Real Estate Information Services, Inc. (First Cir., 2010, 09-1809) will discuss how we got to this point and the significance of the First Circuit's decision reversing the district court's summary judgment in favor of NREIS.

Watch as Douglas W. Salvesen, trial counsel for REBA, and Jonathan M. Albano, author of the amicus brief filed by the Boston Bar Association in support of REBA, analyze this important appellate decision. Joe Boynton will moderate the discussion.

Click here to register. This chat is sponsored by the Property Law Section Council.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bankruptcy 911 with Judge Joan N. Feeney 

Friday, Oct. 29, noon-1 p.m.

Join Judge Joan Feeney and Ted Connolly, co-authors of the new book, The Road Out of Debt, to discuss what signs and warning signals may point to your client's need to file a bankruptcy case, what debts and situations are most appropriate for filing a bankruptcy case in and general bankruptcy basics.

Click here to register.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SAVE THE DATES

Why LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter

matter to the legal industry

Friday, Nov. 5, noon-1 p.m.

Social media's impact on law firms, revenue and brand

Friday, Nov. 19, noon-1 p.m.

Upcoming CLE seminar and program schedule

Register for the FREE "Financial Implications of Unemployment" program on Oct. 27

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.

UPCOMING CLE PROGRAMS

Legal Chat @ Noon: Changes to the Massachusetts Personnel Records Act
Friday, Oct. 22, noon-1 p.m.
NOTE: There is no on-site attendance available for Legal Chats.

Legal Chat: Overview of the First Circuit's decision in REBA for Massachusetts v. NREIS Inc.
Tuesday, Oct. 26, 4-5 p.m.
NOTE: There is no on-site attendance available for Legal Chats.

Financial Implications of Unemployment: Managing Debt and Investments
**Sponsored by the Lawyers In Transition Committee
Wednesday, Oct. 27, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston

Training on the New Foreclosure Law
** Sponsored by the Joint Foreclosure Legislation Task Force
Thursday, Oct. 28, 4-7 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston

Legal Chat @ Noon: Bankruptcy 911 with Judge Joan N. Feeney
Friday, Oct. 29, noon-1 p.m.
NOTE: There is no on-site attendance available for Legal Chats.

Legal Chat @ Noon: Workplace Injuries
Friday, Oct. 29, noon-1 p.m.
NOTE: There is no on-site attendance available for Legal Chats.

Delivering Legal Services Online with a Virtual Law Office
Thursday, Nov. 4, 4-7 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston

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.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SAVE THE DATES

Legal Chat @ Noon: Why LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter Matter to the Legal Industry
Friday, Nov. 5, noon-1 p.m.

20^th Annual Family Law Conference
Friday, Nov. 12 - Saturday, Nov. 13
Cranwell Resort, Spa & Golf Club, 55 Lee Road, Lenox
Click here to view the conference brochure.

Ninth Annual Western Massachusetts Bankruptcy Conference
Tuesday, Nov. 16, 4-7 p.m.
Western New England College School of Law, 1215 Wilbraham Road, Springfield

Legal Chat @ Noon: Social Media's Impact on Law Firms, Revenue and Brand
Friday, Nov. 19, noon-1 p.m.

Eighth Annual In-House Counsel Conference: Doing Business in the Electronic Age
Thursday, Dec. 9, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

Volunteer lawyers participate in the semi-annual Western Mass. Dial-A-Lawyer program on Wednesday, Oct. 20. Photos by Jennifer Rosinski.

Semi-annual Western Mass. Dial-A-Lawyer program receives 377 calls

More than 30 MBA attorneys volunteered to answer legal questions

Volunteer lawyers from the Massachusetts Bar Association answered 377 calls over four hours from residents of Western Massachusetts on Oct. 20 during the semi-annual Dial-A-Lawyer program held at Western New England College School of Law.

Attorneys answered questions on a wide range of legal concerns, with landlord-tenant, bankruptcy, family, probate and real estate law being the most popular inquiries. Many of the calls were related to the current economic downturn, with inquiries related to credit card debt and the inability to pay rent.

Now in its 16th year, the Western Massachusetts Dial-A-Lawyer provides free legal advice to residents of Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties. The service is provided as a public service of the MBA.

Of the 377 calls, most were answered on the spot. The other callers were referred to agencies, organizations or attorneys who can help further.

The MBA's Dial-A-Lawyer program is co-sponsored by Western New England College School of Law, The Republican, El Pueblo Latino and the Massachusetts Association of Hispanic Attorneys.

The MBA thanks the following attorneys who participated in the Oct. 20 Western Mass. Dial-A-Lawyer program:

• Robert H. Astor, Robert H. Astor Attorney at Law, Springfield
• Melissa L. Campana, Law Office of Patricia M. Hebert PC, Agawam
• Corey M Carvalho, UMass Legal Services, Amherst
• Elizabeth N. Clarke, Law Office of Elizabeth Clarke, South Deerfield
• Linda A. Condino, Linda A. Condino, Esq., Springfield
• Mark David Cress, Bulkley, Richardson & Gelinas LLP, Springfield
• Leslie A. Curley, Western Mass Legal Services, Pittsfield
• Mary K. Eaton, Eaton & Rescia LLP, East Longmeadow
• John E. Garber, Weinberg & Garber PC, Northampton
• Melissa R. Gillis, Bacon Wilson PC, Springfield
• Lisa L. Halbert, Bacon & Wilson PC, Northampton
• Mary Jo Kennedy, Bulkley, Richardson & Gelinas LLP, Springfield
• Kimberly  Klimczuk, Royal & Klimczuk LLC, Northampton
• Carolyn L. McCaffrey, Frank P. Fitzgerald PC, East Longmeadow
• Edward J. McDonough Jr., Egan, Flanagan & Cohen PC, Springfield
• L. Jeffrey Meehan, Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy PC, Springfield
• Amy J. Megliola, Siddall & Siddall PC, Springfield
• Keith A. Minoff, Law Offices of Keith A. Minoff, Esq., Springfield
• Stephen J. Phillips, Attorney At Law, Springfield
• Timothy A. Reilly, Law Office of Timothy A. Reilly, Springfield
• Kara A. Rescia, Eaton & Rescia, LLP, East Longmeadow
• Daniel Mark Rothschild, Bulkley, Richardson & Gelinas LLP, Springfield
• Denise M. Shear, Ostrander Law Office, Northampton
• Michael  Siddall, Siddall & Siddall PC, Springfield
• Diana  Sorrentini-Velez, Cooley Shrair PC, Springfield
• David E. Sullivan, Hampshire County Probate and Family Court, Northampton
• Gillian Szlachetka Dubay, Fratar, Kern & Kelly LLP, Chicopee
• Maureen C. Tobin, Cooley Shrair PC, Springfield
• Peggy Ann Torello, Peggy A. Torello, Attorney At Law, Greenfield
• Dennis E. Tully, Attorney At Law, East Longmeadow
• Jeffrey S. Weisser, Connor, Sandman & Weisser, Agawam
• Seth Megathlin Wilson, Bulkley, Richardson & Gelinas LLP, Springfield

Featured member benefit: Group Personal Umbrella Insurance

Learn how to save money on your personal umbrella

Special program features exclusive to MBA members include:

• Higher limits available up to $25 million;
• Uninsured Motorist protection - $2 million limit;
  Optional limits of $3 or $5 million UM/UIM
• No individual underwriting, pricing or risk selection;
• Unlimited defense coverage;
• Special group rates;
• Open enrollment; and
• Quick and easy application process.

Click here to enroll, or for more information on the Group Personal Umbrella Insurance program features.

Section News: Upcoming meetings and special section events

Health Law Section Council meeting; Property Law Section Council meeting; Business Law Section Council meeting; General Practice, Solo & Small-Firm Section Council meeting; Intellectual Property Practice Group

Health Law Section Council meeting

Tuesday, Oct. 26, 5-7:30 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston

Join the Health Law Section Council at its meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 19 from
5:30 to 7 p.m. at the MBA, 20 West St., Boston.

To R.S.V.P., click here.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Property Law Section Council meeting

Tuesday, Oct. 26, 5:30-7 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston

Join the Property Law Section Council at its meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 20 from
4:30 to 6 p.m. at the MBA, 20 West St., Boston.

To R.S.V.P., click here.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Business Law Section Council meeting

Tuesday, Oct. 26, 6-7:30 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston

Join the Probate Law Section Council at its meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 20
from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the MBA, 20 West St., Boston.

The guest speakers will be Marisa DeFranco and Gerry Rovner, chair and vice chair of the Immigration Law Section Council.  They will discuss immigration/business law issues including employment contracts-intersection of immigration & employment law; discrimination in hiring and firing; bringing in foreign workers-rules and regs of most common categories (H, L, TN); and compliance-I-9 and M&A review prior to agreement.

To R.S.V.P., click here.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

General Practice, Solo & Small-Firm Section Council meeting

Wednesday, Oct. 27, 5:30-7 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston

Join the General Practice Section Council at its meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 27
from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the MBA, 20 West St., Boston.

To R.S.V.P., click here.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Intellectual Property Practice Group

Thursday, Oct. 28, 5:30-7 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston

Join members of the Intellectual Property Practice Group at its meeting on Thursday, Oct. 28 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the MBA, 20 West St., Boston. The topic for this meeting will be a presentation on the process of filing trademark applications.

To R.S.V.P., click here.

News from the courts

Information center opens in Brooke Courthouse Lobby

The Trial Court Access to Justice Initiative has opened a public information center at the Edward W. Brooke Courthouse. Volunteers at the help desk greet court users and assist them with navigating the courthouse, obtaining basic information for filing cases and finding legal resources.

The Brooke Courthouse Information Center is located in the main lobby on the second floor and operates daily from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Staffed by volunteers including college students, law students and retired professionals, retired District Court Judge Joseph Dever has volunteered to serve in an oversight role for the information center and hopes to enlist the assistance of other retired judges.

Judge Dina Fein, special advisor to the Trial Court for Access to Justice Initiatives, announced that the Information Center Task Force, under the leadership of Worcester Housing Court First Justice Diana Horan and Boston Municipal Court General Counsel Cynthia Robinson Markey, developed a plan to operate the help desk with the assistance of volunteers. SJC Senior Attorney Sandy Lundy, Deputy Advisor for the Initiative, worked closely with the task force in developing the concept for the center, and identifying and training the volunteers

The Interim Report on Access to Justice Initiatives in the Trial Court in January proposed creation of task forces to focus on Information Desks, Forms, Self-Help Materials, Training and Limited Assistance Representation. The five task forces, comprised of court personnel and legal community representatives, have been meeting regularly.

The Trial Court Access to Justice Initiative works in collaboration with the Access to Justice Commission appointed by the Supreme Judicial Court. Its mission includes guiding and coordinating resources within the Trial Court to broaden access to civil justice for all litigants, including self-represented litigants, individuals of modest means, those of limited or no English proficiency, and individuals with mental or physical disabilities.