Massbar Beat

The traditional “deny and defend” attitude to claims of medical malpractice may be changing as doctors and hospitals embrace transparency, disclosure, and even apologies following medical errors. In this episode, host Jordan Rich talks with Boston attorney and patient-safety advocate Jeffrey Catalano of Todd & Weld LLP about how medical transparency in med-mal cases is gaining traction in Massachusetts and elsewhere, as medical professionals work more openly with patients to prevent problems in the future.

For attorney Lynne Parker, the 20th Annual Walk to the Hill for Civil Legal Aid on Jan. 24 at the Massachusetts State House will be her first as the new executive director of the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC). But Parker is no stranger to the world of legal aid, having worked more than three decades advocating on behalf of low-income residents, most recently in New Hampshire. In this episode, Parker talks with host Jordan Rich about MLAC’s role as one of the primary funders of civil legal aid organizations in Massachusetts and why funding for legal aid — the drive behind the Walk to the Hill event — is so vital to low-income Massachusetts residents facing life-changing legal challenges. For more information on the Walk to the Hill for Civil Legal Aid, see www.equaljusticecoalition.org.

If you're fortunate enough to hit the jackpot in Massachusetts, you'll quickly find that winning the lottery is more than just a question of numbers. There are several considerations to think about before you're able to enjoy your winnings. Who claims the prize? Who signs the winning ticket? Should you take a lump sum or installment payments? Should you go public with your good news? In this episode, Nancy Weissman, an attorney whose practice includes representing lottery winners, talks with host Jordan Rich about what to expect if you win the lottery in Massachusetts.

If you're a tenant or a landlord, do you know who is responsible for shoveling or clearing the entrance way in the winter? Who pays for heat and other utilities? Can you be thrown out in the snow? In this episode of the MassBar Beat, host Jordan Rich talks with attorney Michael L. Lonzana, vice chair of the Massachusetts Bar Association's Real Estate Law Section, about some common housing issues that arise in rental situations.

In this episode, host Jordan Rich talks with new Massachusetts Bar Association President Christopher A. Kenney about his goals for the 2018-19 year, including the MBA's role in promoting civics and civic education. Kenney also unveils plans for the MBA Trial Academy, which will train the next generation of trial lawyers and encourage them to provide limited assistance representation (LAR)to unrepresented individuals in court. The MBA's Leadership Academy and the association's work with the courts on lawyer well-being are also discussed.

Do you need a license to drive a boat? Can you swim on a private beach? Are you allowed to have a fire pit or serve alcohol at your backyard BBQ? In this episode, host Jordan Rich talks with Boston attorney Samuel A. Segal, chair of the Massachusetts Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division, about the Massachusetts laws governing everyone's favorite summertime activities.

How do you find a lawyer who speaks your language when your English is limited? What happens when you go to court? In this episode, which is also available in Spanish, learn about the resources available to help non-English speakers successfully navigate the courts in Massachusetts. Host Jordan Rich speaks with attorney Melissa A. Juárez about the multilingual resources offered by the Massachusetts Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service, and the translation services offered by the courts. You'll also learn about some new ideas for increasing access to justice in Massachusetts, including Spanish-language drug courts. (También disponible en Español.)

¿Cómo puede encontrar un abogado que hable su idioma cuando su inglés es limitado? ¿Qué pasa cuando va a la corte? En éste episodio, que también está disponible en Español, conozca los recursos disponibles para ayudar a los que no hablan inglés a tener éxito en los tribunales de Massachusetts. La anfitriona, Iliana Burton, habla con la abogada Melissa A. Juárez sobre los recursos multilingües ofrecidos por el Servicio de Referencia de Abogados de la Asociación de Abogados de Massachusetts, y los servicios de traducción que ofrecen las cortes. También aprenderá sobre algunas ideas nuevas para aumentar el acceso a la justicia en Massachusetts, incluídos Las cortes de drogas en Español. (This podcast is also available in English.)

April 2018 will be remembered as the month when lawmakers introduced the most ambitious reform of Massachusetts’ criminal justice system in decades. Signed into law by Gov. Charlie Baker, the sweeping legislation was the result of a bipartisan compromise between Democrats and Republicans, with additional support from prosecutors, attorneys and advocacy organizations, including the MBA. “Criminal Justice Reform: The Latest on the New Law” educates legal professionals and the public about specific provisions contained in the bill, with expert analysis by MBA member attorneys Anthony J. Benedetti of the Committee for Public Counsel Services and Lee J. Gartenberg of the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Department. Hosted by Jordan Rich, the podcast examines fundamental changes related to the treatment of juvenile offenders, major reforms to the bail system, and the elimination of mandatory minimums for certain low-level offenses, among many other topics.

The second of a two-part series, attorney Thomas M. Bond, chair of the Massachusetts Bar Association's Judicial Administration Section, talks with host Jordan Rich about appearing as an attorney in state court (Superior Court, in particular) in Massachusetts. You'll learn about the benefits of having your case in state court, get an overview of some of the most important rules, and hear insights on courtroom etiquette. Massachusetts Bar Association members can also access related materials on the topic in the Judicial Administration library on My Bar Access: https://is.gd/MBA_CourtRules.

The first of a two-part series, attorney Thomas M. Bond, chair of the Massachusetts Bar Association's Judicial Administration Section, talks with host Jordan Rich about appearing as an attorney in federal court in Massachusetts. You'll learn about the benefits of having your case in federal court, get an overview of some of the most important rules, and hear insights on courtroom etiquette. Massachusetts Bar Association members can also access related materials on the topic in the Judicial Administration library on My Bar Access: https://is.gd/MBA_CourtRules.

Elder law is more than just estate planning. As the population ages and people live longer, many will encounter important legal issues that can affect their home, health and financial well-being. In this episode, host Jordan Rich and attorney Alex L. Moschella, the chair of the Massachusetts Bar Association's Elder Law Advisory Committee, answer some commonly asked questions and discuss the MBA's Elder Law Education Program (www.massbar.org/elderlaw). From wills and trusts to health care proxies, powers of attorney, reverse mortgages and long-term care options, learn which documents and strategies are available to help you take control of your future.

Each day people facing life-changing legal issues are going to court alone because they don't qualify for legal aid or cannot afford a lawyer. It's created a justice gap. But there are efforts under way to address these unmet legal needs. Host Jordan Rich talks with attorneys Len Zandrow of UMass School of Law's Justice Bridge Legal Center (www.justice-bridge.org) and Damian Turco of Lawyers for Affordable Justice (www.lawyers4aj.org) about how legal incubators like theirs are working to close the justice gap by pairing newer attorneys, or lawyers committed to representing clients at discount, with modest-means clients.

Ending a marriage is never an easy decision. But for those who have made the choice to divorce, there are several options available to work through the process. Host Jordan Rich talks with attorney Heidi R. Webb of Consilium Divorce Consultations about the lawyer-client relationship, the interplay between law and psychology, and the different paths available, from traditional divorce to mediation, arbitration, conciliation, collaborative law and limited assistance representation.

The holidays can be the most demanding time of year -- especially for those in the legal community. In this episode, host Jordan Rich talks with MBA Law Practice Management Chair Susan Letterman White (Law Office Management Assistance Program) and clinician Barbara Bowe, LICSW (Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers) about suggestions for lawyers and others in the legal community on how to handle holiday stress. This podcast discusses some of the topics covered at the Dec. 12, 2017, Massachusetts Bar Association CLE Program: "Holiday Game Strong -- Tools to Reclaim Joy this Season." https://www.massbar.org/events/cle-program?productId=6002&kitId=6006&view=month

New Massachusetts Trial Court Administrator Jonathan S. Williams talks with host Jordan Rich about the latest court technology and infrastructure improvements, self-represented litigants, and how he's working with other court leaders and the bar to advance the Trial Court's strategic mission to deliver "justice with dignity and speed."

Mediation, Arbitration, Collaborative Law, Ombuds ... what kind of dispute resolution (DR) option is right for you? Guest host Jordan Rich talks with DR professionals Brian Jerome and Michael Zeytoonian about the benefits of DR and about the FREE programs offered throughout Massachusetts during Conflict Resolution Week, Oct. 16-20. Be a #peacemaker and join us. Visit www.massbar.org/CRWeek for event info.

From New York City cab driver to complex civil litigator, attorney Christopher P. Sullivan of Robins Kaplan LLP in Boston brings a variety of life experiences to his new role as president of the Massachusetts Bar Association. In this interview with guest host Jordan Rich, hear about Sullivan's initiatives for the coming year and why he believes attorneys are needed in the community more than ever.

The Massachusetts Trial Court issued new Child Support Guidelines for the Massachusetts, which became effective on Sept. 15, 2017. In this episode, Attorney Fern Frolin of Mirick O'Connell, a member of the Trial Court's 2016-2017 Child Support Guidelines Task Force, talks with MassBar Beat host Jordan Rich about some of the major revisions that attorneys and families should be familiar with.

Part of our 2017 Access to Justice Award Series, this podcast features 2017 Rising Star Award Winner Claire Valentin, a staff attorney at the Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts. inspired by her family's immigrant experience, Valentin advocates for unaccompanied immigrant children from Central America who flee their home countries seeking humanitarian protections in the U.S.