2021 Massachusetts Guide to Evidence
now available
The Supreme Judicial Court and its Advisory Committee on Massachusetts Evidence Law this week announced the release of the 2021 edition of the Massachusetts Guide to Evidence. The justices of the SJC recommend use of the guide by the bench, bar and public.
The Massachusetts Guide to Evidence assembles existing Massachusetts evidence law in an easy-to-use document organized similarly to the Federal Rules of Evidence. The guide includes extensive explanatory notes and citations to pertinent authorities.
The 2021 edition is the 13th annual edition of the guide. An
electronic version of the guide is available without charge on the court's website, where it can be searched and downloaded. The Official Print Edition is published by the Flaschner Judicial Institute, which is again providing a complimentary copy to every sitting judge in the commonwealth. The 2021 guide will soon be available for purchase from
Flaschner and
Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.The 2021 edition of the guide incorporates dozens of opinions issued by the SJC and the Appeals Court between Jan. 1, 2020, and Dec. 31, 2020, and updates several sections to reflect the current state of Massachusetts evidence law.
The 2021 edition also includes new Section 1119, titled "Digital Evidence." The section's note summarizes common evidentiary issues that arise with respect to digital evidence and cross-references other pertinent sections of the guide. The section emphasizes the importance of the orderly presentation and preservation of digital evidence.
In 2006, the SJC established the Advisory Committee to prepare a Massachusetts Guide to Evidence at the request of the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Boston Bar Association and the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys. Since 2008, the SJC has appointed a standing committee to monitor and incorporate new legal developments and produce annual new editions of the guide.
Click here for more information about the guide and a listing of committee members.
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Appeals Court vacancies open for applications
The Judicial Nominating Commission is currently accepting applications for the following Appeals Court vacancies:
Hon. Diana L. Maldanado
(Dec. 4, 2020)
Hon. Dalila A. Wendlandt
(Dec. 4, 2020)
The application deadline for both positions is Friday, April 2, at noon.
Click here for application instructions.
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Job Openings
Litigation associate at Sugarman Rogers
Sugarman Rogers, a litigation boutique in Boston, is seeking a litigation associate with insurance coverage experience to join its team.
Candidates should have three to five years of litigation experience, including work on insurance coverage matters, and should have an interest in insurance litigation and practice. Qualified candidates must have outstanding legal research, writing and analytical skills, including the ability to research, evaluate and brief challenging legal issues and analyze complex contract language. Candidates should also possess the ability to take responsibility for all types of legal matters. Superior academic credentials and strong advocacy skills are preferred.
For more information and to apply, click here.
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Probate attorney at Surprenant & Beneski
The law office of Surprenant & Beneski PC in New Bedford is currently searching for a high-energy, detail-oriented and motivated individual to join its team as an attorney. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience practicing elder law with a concentration on estate administration and probate law.
As a part of onboarding, the associate attorney will assist the internal legal support team, which includes attorneys and case managers, by drafting and reviewing documents, making phone calls to clients and performing legal research to become familiar with the operations of the firm. Ultimately, working under the guidance and direction of the partners, the associate attorney will manage their own caseload and meet with clients, provide support to the case managers during the time the client is engaged and keep the partners informed of all active matters.
Requirements include strong legal writing and reviewing skills, as much of the job will involve drafting and preparing plans for legal documents, and strong knowledge of and experience with the probate court process.
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