Why attend?
MCLE is proud to present our 12th annual Personal Injury Law Conference.
The Conference offers perspectives from both sides of the personal
injury bar. Our faculty includes leading practitioners from the
plaintiff's bar and the defense bar who offer their substantive
experience on a wide variety of personal injury law topics. This year's
Conference also features the latest developments in liquor liability,
peremptory challenges, contingent fee agreements, loss of chance, and
Medicaid liens. We follow the popular format you requested. We focus in
the morning on what has happened over the last year in caselaw and
legislation, and discuss what those changes mean to your practice. We
also address the question of limited voir dire, Massachusetts style. In
the afternoon we hear from experienced practitioners about the issues on
which they are specialists. Don't miss the opportunity to reflect on the
changes to the law and feel a renewed enthusiasm for the issues you deal
with daily. Take advantage of this wide variety of lectures and
workshops, featuring Massachusetts' most respected and accomplished
plaintiffs' and defense counsel. The day concludes with the annual
judicial forum, featuring judges of the Superior Court.
Keynote Speaker
Hon. Barbara J. Rouse, Chief Justice, Superior Court, on Recent Developments in Personal Injury Law
Hon. Barbara J. Rouse was appointed Chief Justice of the Superior Court in 2004. Prior to her appointment, she was an Associate Justice of the Superior Court from 1985 to 2004. Chief Justice Rouse is a graduate of Smith College (1966), Columbia University (M.A. 1968), and Boston College Law School (1973). Prior to becoming a judge, Chief Justice Rouse was an Assistant Attorney General and was in private practice.
Conference Schedule, Tuesday, April 14, 2009
9 - 10 a.m.
Keynote Address: "Recent Developments in Personal Injury Law: Practice and Procedure in the Superior Court"
- Hon. Barbara J. Rouse Chief Justice, Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Morning Session: Personal Injury Law in Review 2009
Leading practitioners review developments in the field of personal injury
law since May 1, 2008. Our panel of personal injury trial lawyers
summarizes your stacked up advance sheets.
- Andrew C. Meyer, Esq., Cochair, Lubin & Meyer, PC, Boston
- Valerie A. Yarashus, Esq., Cochair, Meehan, Boyle, Black & Bogdanow, PC, Boston
- Leo V. Boyle, Esq., Meehan, Boyle, Black & Bogdanow, PC, Boston
- Patrick T. Jones, Esq., Cooley, Manion & Jones LLP, Boston
- Marianne C. LeBlanc, Esq., Sugarman & Surgarman, PC, Boston
- Benjamin R. Novotny, Esq.,Lubin & Meyer, PC, Boston
- John P. Ryan, Esq., Sloane & Walsh LLP, Boston
12 - 1 p.m.
Lunch Break (on your own)
1 - 1:20 p.m.
Afternoon Workshop Session I (Choose One)
1 - 1:20 p.m.
Automobile Torts
Representing an injured client or defending an alleged tortfeasor in a "simple" motor vehicle accident only seems simple to those who do not know how to do it. It is essential for attorneys to know how to negotiate, when to settle and how to decide if settlement is reasonable.
- Norman J. Fine, Esq., Boston
1 - 1:20 p.m.
Medical Malpractice
Medical Malpractice trials continue to fill courtrooms all over the Commonwealth. The claims and defenses are becoming more sophisticated as medicine becomes more complex, technology more advanced and health care organizations more structured. This session helps prepare you to effectively represent your clients.
- Matthew R. Connors, Esq.Flicksman & Conley LLP, Boston
- Krysia J. Syska, Esq., Lubin & Meyer, PC, Boston
1 - 1:20 p.m.
The Big Dig and Other Transit Issues
Cases involving the MBTA, Mass Turnpike, Mass Highway, MBCR, Amtrak, MassPort, engineering and construction companies and their sub-contractors, designers, commercial land owners and other entities arising from train incidents and alleged defects in roadways, bridges and tunnels.
- Thomas H. Hayman, Esq., Cetrulo & Capone LLP, Boston
- Bradley M. Henry, Esq., Meehan, Boyle, Black & Bogdanow, PC, Boston
2:20 - 2:35 p.m.
Networking Break
2:35 - 4 p.m.
Afternoon Workshop Session II (Choose One)
2:35 - 4 p.m.
Insurance Issues
This session addresses the increasingly complex legal issues arising out of the varied relationships among insurers, insured and their lawyers. Considerations raised by G.L. Chapter 176D are discussed. Hear pragmatic advice on how to counsel clients.
- Robert A. Curley, Jr., Foley & Lardner LLP, Boston
2:35 - 4 p.m.
Workers' Compensation
This section addresses recent developments in workers' compensation law, providing both a caselaw and legislative update. Issues addressed include average weekly wage, impartial examinations, lump sum settlements and third party practice, including Hunter concerns.
- William H. Troupe, Esq., Carney & Troupe, Boston
2:35 - 4 p.m.
Premises Liability
What are the most common questions raised by such cases? How should you negotiate with insurance companies? What if no insurance coverage exists? How do you defend against premises liability claims?
- Leonard H. Kesten, Esq., Brody, Hardoon, Perkins & Kesten, Boston
4 - 5 p.m.
Personal Injury Law Judicial Forum 2009
An informed discussion and question and answer session with members of the judicial faculty on personal injury practice issues.
- Hon. Peter W. Agnes, Jr., Superior Court
- Hon. Carol S. Ball, Superior Court
- Hon. John C. Cratsley, Superior Court
- Christine M. McEvoy, Superior Court
5 p.m.
Reception for Faculty & Registrants
