Save the date: 2011 MBA Centennial Conference

Mark your calendars to join us on May 18-19

The Massachusetts Bar Association's 2011 Centennial Conference will be held at the Boston Sheraton on Wednesday, May 18 and Thursday, May 19 and will feature:

• House of Delegates meeting;
• Access to Justice Luncheon;
• Centennial Ball;
• Continuing Legal Education programming; and
• Bench/Bar panel and more.

Additional information will follow in future issues of e-Journal.

From left to right: MBA Past President and ABA Delegate Kay H. Hodge explains the need for a strong Civics in Education program; After being introduced to delegates as the MBA’s new chief operating officer and chief legal counsel, Martin W. Healy discusses his goals; Real Estate Bar Association President Thomas Moriarty urges delegates to support his organizations lawsuit involving what constitutes the practice of law.

Photos by Tricia Oliver.

HOD supports Civics in Education program, REBA lawsuit

The Massachusetts Bar Association's governing body unanimously endorsed a renewed Civics in Education program, supported the Probate Law and Tax Law sections' opposition to pending legislation and presented a call to action regarding a Real Estate Bar Association lawsuit.

The House of Delegates, which held its first meeting of the 2010-11 year on Sept. 16 at the Omni Parker House Hotel in Boston, also heard a presentation from Chief Justice for Administration and Management Robert A. Mulligan on the status of court funding and courthouse relocation/construction.

It was also announced that longtime MBA General Counsel Martin W. Healy, who has been serving as acting executive director, had been selected as the MBA first chief operating officer. He will also serve as the MBA's chief legal counsel.

In her first HOD meeting as president, Denise Squillante told the group that in addition to celebrating the association's 100th anniversary, her priorities will be educating the public about the ongoing crisis facing the state's court system and addressing students' understanding of the important role the legal system plays in society.

"We're in the centennial year of the MBA, and we're at a crossroads of under-funding our courts. Through the doors of these courthouses in Massachusetts are real people with real problems looking for real solutions."

Look for more information on the MBA's HOD meeting in the October Lawyers Journal.

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.

News from the courts

CJAM presents overview of Trial Court’s challenges; Massachusetts Appeals Court to hold sitting at UMass School of Law on Sept. 27

Chief Justice for Administration and Management Robert A. Mulligan provided a sobering overview of the state of the Trial Court Department to the Massachusetts Bar Association's House of Delegates meeting on Sept. 16.

One bright spot he noted is the nearing completion of three new courthouse complexes, as well as several new and recent initiatives that are improving service.

"We're in a very difficult situation" as the Trial Courts await their budget for fiscal 2011, Mulligan told the group. After absorbing $70 million reduction in funding over the last two years, the courts are anticipating another $10 million reduction for fiscal 2011 and could expect further reductions in fiscal 2012.

He thanked the MBA for its advocacy during the budget process, saying the budget is "not what we need, but it's better than what it would have been."

Mulligan noted that the courts have made a number of drastic cost-cutting measures, including: reducing staff through attrition, consolidating courthouses, moving some courts out of leased property and into state-owned buildings, reducing energy costs by millions of dollars through green initiatives, and asking judges to volunteer for five-day furloughs.

"We're trying to save money wherever we can," he said.

At the Sept. 16 meeting, Mulligan said he expected to reach a decision on which courthouses to close and relocate before the end of the month. Those savings would begin in fiscal 2011.

Look for more information about Mulligan's overview of the Trial Court Department in the October Lawyers Journal.

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A panel of three justices of the Massachusetts Appeals Court will hear oral arguments in six appeals in a special session to be held at the UMass School of Law, 333 Faunce Corner Road, North Dartmouth, on Monday Sept. 27 at 9:30 a.m. The sitting, part of the Appeals Court's continuing outreach to communities outside Boston, is open to the public.

Oral arguments for each case take approximately thirty minutes. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. The SJC Rule for cameras in the courtroom will apply.  Interested media representatives should contact Tina LaFranchi in advance of the sitting.

Immediately following the session, members of the panel, Chief Justice Phillip Rapoza, Hon. Elspeth Cypher and Hon. Mark Green will conduct an informal question and answer period for the students on general topics related to the role of Massachusetts Appeals Court. (Pending matters will not be discussed.) Chief Justice Rapoza is a former justice of the Fall River District Court.

Photos courtesy of the Massachusetts Chapter of ABOTA.

ABOTA’s Constitution Day celebrations feature Lincoln-inspired lecture and notable dinner

The Massachusetts Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates hosted its annual Constitution Day dinner at the Union Club on Sept. 17. The dinner has become one of the chapter's most popular events, and included several distinguished guests including Associate Justice Robert Cordy of the Supreme Judicial Court, MBA President Denise Squillante, President-elect Richard P. Campbell, Vice President Jeffrey N. Catalano, Secretary Marsha V. Kazarosian and Chief Operating Officer Martin W. Healy and ABOTA National President Craig Lewis, who came from Houston.

The dinner followed Mass. ABOTA's third annual James Otis Lecture, a program in which leading scholars or distinguished judges address high school students from across the commonwealth. This year's lecture, "Lincoln and the Law," and featured Professor Akhil Reed Amar, Sterling Professor of Law and Politics at Yale University Law School and professor Michael Burlingame, author of the 2008 award winning, biography on Lincoln. 

Chris Duggan created the James Otis Lecture Series, a model program that has since been replicated across the country and was showcased this Constitution Day (Sept. 17) in Washington, South Carolina and Florida. The lecture series Board of Advisors includes: Hon. Robert J. Cordy, Kathleen Heitman, Hon. Julian T. Houston (ret.), Benjamin Kahrl, professor Thomas O'Connor and David Rogers.

Upcoming CLE seminar and program schedule

Register and book your accommodations for the MBA's Family Law Conference by Oct. 1, and qualify to receive 10 percent off Cranwell spa specials

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

Effective Legal Writing Strategies
Tuesday, Sept. 28, 4-7 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston

How to Handle a Will Contest
Thursday, Sept. 30, 4-7 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston

Complex Issues & Emerging Trends in Class Action Litigation
Tuesday, Oct. 5, 4-7 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston

Contempt Actions in the Probate & Family Court: A Clear & Unequivocal Review of Practice & Procedure
Thursday, Oct. 7, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Probate & Family Court, 52 Obery St., Plymouth

How to Handle a Residential Real Estate Closing
Wednesday, Oct. 13, 4-7 p.m.
Registry of Deeds, 90 Front St., Worcester

Practice Skills in Juvenile Delinquency Cases
Wednesday, Oct. 13, 4-6 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston

Creative Ways to Use Your Law Degree
Thursday, Oct. 14, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Lombardo's, 16 Billings St., Randolph
Click here to view the conference brochure.

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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SAVE THE DATES

Training on the New Foreclosure Law
Thursday, Oct. 28, 4-7 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston

New developments in foreclosure legislation have changed the rules in foreclosure procedures. This program will feature experts on the attorney's perspective, the homeowner's perspective, the tenant's perspective and the bank's perspective in conducting a foreclosure.

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.
**Register and book your accommodations for the MBA's Family Law Conference by Oct. 1, and qualify to receive 10 percent off Cranwell spa specials when you reference the MBA.

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

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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.

Massachusetts Bar Foundation 2010 Grantee Receptions

R.S.V.P. for the receptions on Sept 30 in Boston and Oct. 14 in Springfield

Click here to R.S.V.P.

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Section News: Upcoming meetings and special section events

General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Section Council meeting; Law Practice Management Section Council meeting; Criminal Justice Section Council meeting; Family Law Section Council meeting; Business Law Section Council meeting; Civil Litigation Section Council Meeting; Association of Legal Administrators

General Practice, Solo & Small-Firm Section Council meeting

Monday, Sept. 27, 5:30-7 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston

The first meeting of the General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Section Council is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 27 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the MBA, 20 West St., Boston.

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

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Law Practice Management Section Council meeting

Monday, Sept. 27, 5:30-7 p.m.
Law Firm of Andrea Goldman, 305 Walnut St., Newtonville

The first meeting of the Law Practice Management Section Council is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 27 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the MBA, 20 West St., Boston.

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

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Criminal Justice Section Council meeting

Tuesday, Sept. 28, 5:30-7 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston

The first meeting of the Criminal Justice Section Council is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 28 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the MBA, 20 West St., Boston.

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

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Family Law Section Council meeting

Tuesday, Sept. 28, 5:30-7 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston

The first meeting of the Family Law Section Council is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 28 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the MBA, 20 West St., Boston.

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

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Business Law Section Council meeting

Tuesday, Sept. 28, 6-7:30 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston

The first meeting of the Business Law Section Council is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 28 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the MBA, 20 West St., Boston.

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

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Civil Litigation Section Council meeting

Wednesday, Oct. 6, 4:30-6 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston

At this section council meeting, Robert J. Muldoon Jr., of Sherin & Lodgen, will speak on current trends and emerging issues in civil litigation.

Robert J. Muldoon Jr. is a partner at Sherin & Lodgen, a former managing partner of the firm, co-chair of the Professional Liability Group and a member of the Litigation Department. He has represented numerous national and international corporations in commercial litigation, and has extensive experience in the defense of legal malpractice cases, life sciences and pharmaceuticals, land use and development and other real estate issues.

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Association of Legal Administrators

Thursday, Oct. 7, noon
MBA, 20 West St., Boston

Health insurance premiums have ballooned to our third largest business expense. Health savings accounts, reimbursement accounts and group purchasing are merely stop gap measures. MBA Health Law, General Practice, Law Practice Management and Business Law section members are invited to hear Drs. Steffi Woolhandler and David Himmelstein, founders of the Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP), describe an alternative to the current system and critique the Reforms we all face in the next few years.

Brown bag your lunch; snacks and drinks provided. Please invite any managers or attorneys from your firm interested in this topic.

To R.S.V.P. [e-mail sstratman].