Lawyers e-Journal
Thursday, Sep. 23, 2010
Friends and members of the legal community participate in the Sept. 16 President's Reception for Denise Squillante. Photos by Jeff Thiebauth.
Squillante kicks off centennial year, honors state Sen. Joan M. Menard
Squillante will also be honored by the Attleboro, Bristol County, Fall River, New Bedford and Women's Bar Associations on Sept. 30
As the Massachusetts Bar Association begins its 100th
anniversary, now is the perfect time to support our judges and
state courts, MBA President Denise Squillante said at the
President's Reception at Boston's Omni Parker House Sept. 16.
"We are in this centennial year at a crossroads of our
struggling courts. Average students and average citizens, many do
not understand the role of our courts. This lack of understanding
leads to lack of respect," said Squillante, who outlined her plans
to develop a Civics in Education program and increase the work of
the Fair and Impartial Judiciary Strike Force. "These issues are
all wrapped up together, respect and understanding."
In his introduction of Squillante, MBA Past President Edward P.
Ryan Jr. applauded her decades-long history of hard work in bar
associations and commended her efforts in raising awareness of the
good work of lawyers.
"Denise Squillante is also someone who has never shied away from
the acknowledgment that she is a lawyer. She's proud to be a
lawyer," said Ryan, chair of the Fair and Impartial Judiciary
Strike Force. "She has carried the banner of 'proud to be a lawyer'
her entire career."
Following a standing ovation, Squillante explained it was Ryan
who introduced her to bar association work 15 years into her
career. "I was literally plucked out of a crowd," she said. And
then she received a letter from Ryan's wife, Mal Ryan, inviting her
to join the Family Law Section.
The timing was perfect, said Squillante, who was contemplating
leaving the practice of law to teach the subject. "I was literally
at a career crossroads," said Squillante, who said she was feeling
isolated. "It gave me, as a solo practitioner, a home. That is one
of the real member benefits I hope to share across the state."
Also at the reception, Squillante presented state Sen. Joan M.
Menard (D-Fall River) with the MBA Legislator of the Year Award.
Presented annually, it is given to a state or federal legislator
who has distinguished himself or herself in public service through
outstanding contributions to the legal profession, courts and
administration of justice.
Calling her a "trailblazer for women in the Legislature,"
Squillante said Menard "has proven to be a true leader with an
outstanding intellect and an extraordinary ability. Her superior
leadership skills and loyalty have been recognized throughout her
rise through the ranks."
Click here to
view event images.
Look for more on the Sept. 16 President's Reception in the
October Lawyers Journal.
MBA President Denise Squillante will
also be honored by the Attleboro, Bristol County, Fall River, New
Bedford and Women's Bar Associations on Sept. 30 at the Venus de
Milo Restaurant in Swansea. Click here to view the invitation.
R.S.V.P. to Gerlinde Lowe at (508) 990-1303.