e-Journal
01-05
Legislative News
MUPC implementation date extended to March 31, 2012
Gov. Deval L. Patrick signed into law an extension on the
effective date of the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code on Dec.
30. The MUPC will now go into effect on March 31, 2012. It was
previously set to go into effect on Jan. 2, 2012.
Still under consideration by the Legislature is a bill
establishing a uniform trust code, containing certain technical
corrections to the MUPC, and granting the Probate and Family Court
statutory authority to collect fees under the MUPC.
"The significant benefits to clients and the probate system as a
whole far outweigh this slight delay in implementation," said
Massachusetts Bar Association President Richard P. Campbell.
"Advocating for these necessary changes for two decades, the MBA is
confident that the broad-sweeping improvements gained from the MUPC
will be well worth the wait."
The MBA looks forward to continued work with the Legislature and
the court to ensure the technical corrections bill becomes
law.
The Probate and Family
Court's statement on the delay, including
amended Standing Order 5-11 and revised forms and instructions,
can be found here.
New Lawyers Journal issue to kick off the new year
The January 2012 issue of Lawyers Journal has been
mailed and is available online now.
It features accounts of two of the many attorneys signing up to
take cases as part of the MBA's Pro Bono Prescription. The
attorneys share their respective stories on how they've made a
difference in the lives of some of the commonwealth's most
vulnerable citizens.
The first issue of 2012 also includes:
- CPCS' move to hire hundreds to keep up with its newly increased
caseload (cover);
- Images from the Nov. swearing-in ceremonies and MBA event
welcoming the newest admittees of the bar (page 8);
- Report on the action of the MBA's House of Delegates at its
most recent meeting at UMass Amherst (page 11); and
- The roster announcement for the new MBA committee charged with
analyzing the underemployment of recent law school graduates in
Massachusetts (page 12).
Click
here to read the full issue.
News from the courts
Supreme Judicial Court appoints new executive director
The justices of the Supreme Judicial Court have announced the
appointment of Thomas G. Ambrosino as the executive director of the
Supreme Judicial Court. Ambrosino will assume his new position on
Jan. 11.
As executive director, Ambrosino will implement the policies set
by the justices and direct the daily SJC administration. He will
also assist the justices with the implementation of recent court
management reforms.
Ambrosino succeeds Clifford Allen, who has been the acting
executive director since July 2011 and is the reporter of decisions
for the appellate courts.
MBA members at the November 2011 Member Appreciation Reception.
Member Appreciation Reception
Network with MBA members on Jan. 26
Join the Massachusetts Bar Association at a Member Appreciation
Reception and Networking Event following the Jan. 26 "How
to Start and Run" Conference from 5 to 7 p.m. at Lombardo's, 16
Billings St., Randolph.
This event will feature passed hors d'oeuvres and beer and
wine.
LPM Tip
While the gettin’s good: Mapping tools for lawyers
In a mobile society, where everyone has places to go, and too
many things to do, it's imperative that we arrive where we have to,
when we're supposed to. To help us get there, all of the major
search engines (Google, Bing, Yahoo!) offer mapping tools, that includes
options (in the case of Google and Bing) for finding directions
based on your preferred mode of transit (driving, walking, commuter
service). Google is generally the default search provider
for most people, so Google Maps, consequently, is generally the
default online mapping/directions provider. Google Maps has a bunch
of useful features, including: zoom-out/zoom-in options; street
views; click-and-drag functionality for route changes; and, etc.
For a view to recently-added tools and features within Google Maps,
PC World just
published its "Best of Google Maps and Google Earth" for
2011. To learn more about how to use Google Maps, check out Google's own Support page.
Why not just use a GPS device? Well, the search engine mapping
services are free, for one. And, in any case, these tools, as apps
for your smartphone or tablet, can be used as makeshift GPS
devices, anyway. It's also helpful to be able to plan your route in
advance, rather than being talked at, as you attempt to navigate on the
fly. Furthermore, street view directions flesh out what you're
looking for: in addition to craning your neck, checking for street
signs, you can also search for distinctive buildings, or landmarks,
to guide your way.
If you don't often drive, HopStop is another great, free website, that is
useful for navigating commuter options in large cities, including
Boston.
While these mapping services can become essential tools for mobile
attorneys looking for their next meeting, or a new courthouse,
there are also some practice applications inherent, including for
personal injury and litigation firms, that can be quite powerful:
Jim Calloway relays some good uses for Google
Maps, here. And, Morgan Smith drops some knowledge on the topic
at his Cogent Legal Blog, here.
Tip courtesy of Jared Correia, Law Office
Management Assistance Program.
Published January 5, 2012
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To learn more about the Law Practice Management
Section, which is complimentary for all MBA members,
contact LPM Section Chair Thomas J. Barbar or Vice
Chair Stephen
Seckler.
LinkedIn Giveaway: Win a pass to the MBA’s popular CLE, “How to Start and Run A Successful Solo or Small-Firm Practice”
Start a discussion, share a comment, or like an existing post today for a chance to win
Start a LinkedIn discussion, share a comment, or like an
existing post between now and Jan. 18 for a chance to win a pass
(up to $150 value) to the MBA's popular How to Start and Run A
Successful Solo or Small-Firm Practice on Jan. 26 at the
Lombardo's, 16 Billings St, Randolph.
One of the MBA's most valuable MBA seminars to date -- attended,
literally, by thousands -- "How to Start and Run a Successful Solo
or Small-Firm Practice" is a comprehensive, nuts-and-bolts seminar
about how to set up and operate your own firm. Learn from a faculty
of experienced, successful lawyers who will provide guidance and
insight on every aspect of starting a law firm and share pointers
on growing a firm. Topics will include: The Mechanics of Setting Up
Your Firm, The Mechanics of Running Your Firm, The Essentials of
Marketing and Putting it All Together. Meet with colleagues at the
working, networking lunch included.
Click
here to learn more about the conference.
The winner will be chosen at random on Jan. 20. Click here to start your LinkedIn conversation
today.
Volunteer to judge Boston ABA Moot Court Competition
The ABA Law Student Division needs approximately 180 lawyers and
judges to serve as oral argument judges for the 2011-12 Boston
Regional National Appellate Advocacy Competitions (NAAC). This moot
court competition will be held at the Edward W. Brooke Courthouse,
24 New Chardon St., Boston.
The rounds will be held in the late afternoon on Thursday and
Friday, March 8-9 and all day on Saturday, March 10. Judges may
serve multiple rounds if they desire.
- Round 1: Thursday, March 8, 4:30-8:45
p.m.
- Round 2: Friday, March 9, 4:30-8:45 p.m.
- Round 3: Saturday, March 10, 8:30 a.m.-12:45
p.m.
- Round 4: Saturday, March 10, 1-3:30 p.m.
- Round 5: Saturday, March 10, 3:30-6 p.m.
Individuals interested in serving as a competition judge are
asked to supply their contact information and law school
affiliations here.
Within 10 business days after receipt of your form, the ABA will
send an e-mail confirming your judging assignment. Beginning in
late January, the ABA will provide a bench memorandum, the problem
(record) and instructions on judging. Reviewing these materials is
the only preparation required of competition judges.
This year's problem involves access to health care. It is a civil
case involving a young boy with autism and his efforts to get
coverage for the therapy that his doctor prescribed. The case
raises two federal questions, one under the "Early Periodic
Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment" provisions of the Medicaid Act,
and the other under the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental
Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Both issues raise
realistic, cutting-edge questions for which there is no clear
answer in current law.
Questions? Contact Peggy Pissarreck at (312)988-5621 or at [e-mail naac].
Upcoming CLE seminar and program schedule
Learn about legal considerations relating to end-of-life treatment decisions at the Jan. 10 "Final Directives" seminar.
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 JANUARY PROGRAMS
MUPC
Basics Conference: An Overview of the New Massachusetts Uniform
Probate Code
Thursday, Jan. 5, 9 a.m.- 5p.m.
Lombardo's, 16 Billings St., Randolph
Final Directives: Medical and Legal Perspectives on
Death and Dying 
Tuesday, Jan. 10, 3-7 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston
"The MUPC Demystified" PART IV: Remedies
and Protections under the MUPC
Tuesday, Jan. 17, noon-4 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston
Law
Practice Management Section Educational Series:
How to Build a Technology Plan for Your Firm
Wednesday, Jan. 18, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston
How to Start and Run A Successful Solo or
Small-Firm Practice
Thursday, Jan. 26, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Lombardo's, 16 Billings St., Randolph
COUNTDOWN TO MUPC: "THE MUPC DEMYSTIFIED" CLE SERIES
This dynamic series is designed to
provide probate practitioners (as well as those who aspire to be)
with an in-depth knowledge of the MUPC, exactly how it works and
instruction on the new probate forms that will be issued by the
court. Click here to register for the remaining two
programs, and to receive the first three programs via MBA On
Demand, at a discounted price.
PART IV: Remedies and Protections under the
MUPC
Tuesday, Jan. 17, noon-4 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston
PART V: Estate Planning under the MUPC
Drafting Wills and Trusts
Tuesday, Feb. 7, noon-4 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston
In case you missed the Oct. 25
Part I: Informal Probate and Appointment
Proceedings, the Nov. 15 Part
II: The 'Ins and Outs' of Formal Probate Proceedings or the
Dec. 13 PART III: Powers and Duties of the Personal
Representatives and Options for Closing Estates,
you can view the sessions via MBA On Demand.
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Unable to attend December seminars? Practitioners who were not
able to attend MBA CLE programs in December can now view select
programs on MBA On Demand. MBA On Demand is an innovative MBA
member benefit that offers you the opportunity to watch an MBA
program from the comfort of your home or office, at a time that
suits your schedule.
December CLE programming now available includes:
To view a listing of current programs offered on MBA On
Demand, click here.
MBA Past Presidents and current leadership at the 2011-12 Past Presidents' Dinner on Nov. 17.
MBA seeks nominations for 2012-13 officer and delegate positions
Submit nominations to MBA Secretary by Friday, Feb. 24
The Massachusetts Bar Association is currently accepting
nominations for officer and delegate positions for the 2012-13
membership year. Nominees must submit a letter of intent and a
current resume to MBA Secretary Robert W. Harnais by 5 p.m. on
Friday, Feb. 24, 2012 to be eligible.
To submit a nomination, mail or hand deliver the information
to:
Massachusetts Bar Association
Attn: Robert W. Harnais, MBA Secretary
20 West St., Boston, MA 02111
If you have any questions about the nomination process, call MBA
Chief Operating Officer Martin W. Healy at (617) 988-4777.
Click
here for nomination and election procedures.
Have you taken advantage of FREE classifieds?
Post an MBA classifieds ad today
MBA Classifieds provide MBA members and non-members the
opportunity to post and view employment/internship opportunities,
office share/rental options, as well as lawyer-to-lawyer services
and other specialized categories.
Classified postings are FREE to members and are
available to non-members for $25.
Post an ad today and take advantage of this opportunity to reach
members of the commonwealth's legal community, through its largest
bar association.
Click here to post an MBA classified
ad.
Section News: Upcoming meetings and special section events
Join in the Jan. 10 Family Law Section Council Meeting. Attend the Jan. 11 Immigration Law mock adjustment interview, Law Practice Management, Juvenile & Child Welfare Law or Individual Rights & Responsibilities Section Council meetings.
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Family Law Section Council
meeting
Tuesday, Jan. 10, 5:30-7
p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston
The next meeting of the Family Law
Section Council is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 10 from 5:30 to 7
p.m. All section members are invited to attend.
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Immigration Law Section open
meeting
U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services Boston field office director
to participate in mock adjustment interview
Wednesday, Jan. 11, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Boston Field Office
Director Dorothy Michaud, together with several immigration service
officers, will conduct a mock adjustment interview -- commenting on
developing issues. Michaud will be joined by USCIS District
Director Denis Riordan. Plan on coming in at 11:30 a.m. to meet
colleagues before the presentation. Light lunch and soft drinks
will be provided.
This is a unique opportunity to meet the senior most USCIS
managers in an informal atmosphere, as well as ask questions, as
the interview progresses.
QUESTIONS REQUESTED: If you have any general questions concerning
the USCIS Boston Field Office, please submit them before Jan. 6 to
[e-mail RovnerEsq].
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Law Practice Management Section
Council meeting
Wednesday, Jan. 11, 5:15-6:45
p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston
The next meeting of the Law Practice
Management Section Council is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 11 from
5:15 to 6:45 p.m. All section members are invited to attend.
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Juvenile & Child Welfare
Section Council meeting
Wednesday, Jan. 11, 5:30-7
p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston
The next meeting of the Juvenile &
Child Welfare Section Council is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 11
from 5:30 to 7 p.m. All section members are invited to attend.
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Individual Rights &
Responsibilities Section Council meeting
Wednesday, Jan. 11, 4-5:30
p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston
The next meeting of the Individual
Rights & Responsibilities Section Council is scheduled for
Wednesday, Jan. 11 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. All section members are
invited to attend.
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