The Massachusetts Bar Association has filled three important positions, including two in the Continuing Legal Education Department and one in the Springfield office.
Claudia J. Staten, who started at the MBA in March 2001 as Member Service Center supervisor, has been named manager of the Continuing Legal Education Department. Since joining the MBA, she attended Northeastern University, completing its paralegal program in 2003.In January 2004, Staten was voted vice president of membership for the Massachusetts Paralegals Association, where she was responsible for all membership matters, including presenting informational materials to the MPA and confirming membership qualifications.
Since September 2004, Staten has sat in on all Probate Law Section Council meetings as the staff liaison. She has handled registration for the MBA's Annual Conference and worked on various events, including the MBF Gala Dinner, President's Reception, John Adams Courthouse opening and many other off-site seminars. Staten is also a notary public. Ê
Elizabeth A. Varney has joined the MBA as the new program attorney for the Continuing Legal Education Department. Varney graduated from New England School of Law this past May with her juris doctor degree and sat for the July bar exam in Boston. She received her undergraduate degree in criminal justice from Northeastern University, as well as a paralegal certificate. She was an intern for the MBA in 2004-2005 and also interned for Essex County Probate and Family Court Judge Peter C. DiGangi.
While in law school, Varney was a member of the New England Law Review where her article titled "Trading Custody for Care: Why Parents are Forced to Choose Between the Two and Why the Government Must Support the ÔKeeping Families Together Act'" was selected for publication in volume 39. She also received several awards, including Cite Checker of the Year and Editor of the Year.
Christine R. Baronas has been named the new western Massachusetts office manager. Baronas was formerly the executive director of the Franklin County Bar Association based in Greenfield. As executive director of the FCBA, Baronas developed many skills that enabled her to provide effective services and programs in western Massachusetts. She replaces Patricia O. Plasse, who was recently named bar services liaison.
Baronas is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and has a master's in public administration from American International College in Springfield. Baronas can be reached at the MBA's western office at 73 State St. in Springfield.