Completion of your Rule 3:16 requirement—and much more

Observance of the highest ethical standards, proficiency in essential elements of law practice, and engagement in the legal community are among the hallmarks of professionalism. MCLE's Practicing with Professionalism course brings these principles to life through video, lecture, interactive polling, compelling hypotheticals, and valuable best practices.

SJC Rule 3:16 requires all newly admitted lawyers in Massachusetts to complete a one-day mandatory professionalism course within 18 months of admission. Spend this day with MCLE and build a foundation in professionalism that will serve you throughout your career.

Program highlights

• An introductory video featuring Massachusetts judges and lawyers sharing their insights on professionalism and what it means to be a Massachusetts lawyer.
• A nationally recognized ethics trainer, Jack Marshall, using interactive discussion and specially tailored hypotheticals to highlight the distinctive elements of ethical practice in Massachusetts.
• An address by a leading member of the Massachusetts judiciary on the court system and the role of professionalism in Massachusetts practice.
• Presentations by experts on how to manage a law practice and develop successful attorney-client relationships, how the bar's disciplinary system works, and how to handle client funds.
• Information on professional organizations and pro bono practice—opportunities for connecting and contributing.
• An introduction to lawyer assistance resources—where you can find support for stress, addiction, and mental health concerns.
• An opportunity to spend lunch (provided by MCLE) participating in a conversation about the importance of cultural competency, diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.

Resource materials

A major advantage of taking the Practicing with Professionalism course at MCLE is the rich compilation of resource materials—provided in electronic format—over 1,000 pages of original articles from existing MCLE publications, and materials from a number of regulatory agencies and professional organizations.

These materials serve not only as a valuable online companion for the course, but also as a continuing resource for research and reference in daily practice.

Attendance Policy

Attendance at this program, per SJC Rule 3:16, is a post-admission requirement. Only those already admitted to the Massachusetts bar will receive credit for the course; anyone not yet admitted to the bar will have to retake the course after admission.

Attendance at the entire program is required. Registrants who arrive after the course has commenced will not be permitted to attend the day's program, but must register for another course date.