Massachusetts Bar Association members can expect to see a
different Lawyers Journal in 2016 as the MBA's print
newspaper switches to a bi-monthly publishing schedule, starting in
January.
The reduction to six print issues per year will coincide with
editorial enhancements to the newspaper, including several new
practical and personal components. Over the next few issues,
readers can expect to see expanded profiles, new columns and a
greater focus on sharing individual member news from around the
commonwealth. The MBA's weekly online eJournal, published
at www.MassBar.org and emailed to members
each Thursday, will continue as the MBA's main outlet for timely
news and announcements.
"Today most attorneys get information instantly and online, but
we still see real value in having greatly expanded coverage of the
MBA's news, events and benefits delivered regularly to our members'
doors," said Martin W. Healy, the MBA's chief legal counsel and
chief operating officer. "I fully believe the changes to
Lawyers Journal will complement our online
eJournal, My Bar Access and social media platforms, and
improve our overall bar communications efforts."
One of the most notable changes will be the addition of the
MassBar Bulletin, a new section of Lawyers Journal, which
will feature member-submitted news, announcements and photos --
similar to those often found in school alumni publications.
Inspired by MBA President Robert W. Harnais, the MassBar Bulletin
will give members from all corners of the commonwealth a platform
to share their latest professional and personal updates.
"The MBA is the largest statewide community of lawyers, but
sometimes we miss the 'community' part when we're working in our
day-to-day silos. Let's change that." said Harnais. "Tell us what
you're doing. The MassBar Bulletin and other new Lawyers Journal
features will make it easier to meet your neighbors -- those across
the state, as well those next door -- and hopefully infuse some
more congeniality into our profession. I also invite you to share
your ideas, your views on the profession and how the MBA can assist
you in the practice of law."
Lawyers Journal will continue to provide regular
coverage of both legal and bar news, MBA benefits and events. Here
are highlights from some of the new enhancements that readers can
expect in 2016:
MassBar Bulletin: member-submitted announcements
Organized by county,
the new section will allow MBA members to submit professional
updates, including new jobs, recent accomplishments or awards, and
more. Members can also share personal news and photos, such as
weddings, birth announcements and outside-of-work accomplishments.
Members can send updates of 50 words or less to bulletin@massbar.org. Please include your name,
firm, town (and county).
While the primary focus of the MassBar Bulletin will be
individual announcements, MBA Honor Roll Firms (firms of five or
more members with 100 percent of their attorneys enrolled in the
MBA) will also have the unique opportunity to submit firm news and
announcements. Honor Roll Firm announcements can feature the firm's
logo and a description of 100 words or less.
Section Review and practice alerts
Section
Review articles from each of
the MBA's 18 sections and the Young Lawyer Division will continue
to be published in Lawyers Journal. The newspaper will
also be adding more news and practice-related alerts covering
recent developments and hot topics.
Expanded profiles
Lawyers Journal will continue to run member spotlights, but
readers can also expect to see more coverage and profiles of MBA
Community Service Award honorees, judges and other influential
people in the legal community. In addition, the newspaper will
include more "insider" profiles with individuals who can offer
useful information about navigating courts and agencies around the
commonwealth.
Practical columns
In
addition to the continuing Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers
column, Lawyers Journal will be expanding its
"For Your Practice" section. Readers can expect to see columns
covering technology, business development and even
lifestyle.
Dedicated law student section
A
section of Lawyers Journal will be dedicated to
news and information for law student members, including calendar
highlights of events of particular interest to law
students.
Lawyers Journal is always looking for new ideas. Have
something to share? Contact Jason Scally at jscally@massbar.org.