Product Description

Observance of the highest ethical standards, proficiency in essential elements of law practice, civility, and engagement in the legal community are among the hallmarks of professionalism. MCLE’s dynamic Practicing with Professionalism faculty bring these principles to life.

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

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.

Agenda & Materials

• 8:15 - 9:00 am

  Check-In and Practicing with Professionalism Video Montage
• 9:00 - 9:10 am

  Law as a Profession: The Relevance and Importance of the Practicing With Professionalism Requirement
• 9:10 - 9:55 am

  Professionalism in Developing, Managing, and Maintaining Relationships - and in Problem Solving

  Catherine F. Downing, Esq., Downing Van Dyke LLC , Framingham
  Hon. Peter M. Lauriat, JAMS , Boston
  Kathleen M. O'Donnell, Esq., Law Office of Kathleen M. O'Donnell , Milton
  Michael P. Sams, Esq., Kenney & Sams, PC , Southborough
  
• 9:55 - 10:00 am

  Networking and Refreshment Break
• 10:00 - 11:00 am

  A Deeper Look at the Profession: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities: Strategies for Building Competency & Surviving the Financial Challenges of Being a New Lawyer in an Increasingly Commoditized, Evolving Legal Marketplace - and Thriving

  Catherine F. Downing, Esq., Downing Van Dyke LLC , Framingham
  Christa A. Arcos, Esq., Arcos Law Office , Stoneham
  Christopher A. Callanan, Esq., Callanan Law LLP , Boston
  Shira M. Diner, Esq., Boston University School of Law , Boston
  ,
  Gauri P. Punjabi, Esq., Boston Scientific , Marlborough
  Amy Sixt, Esq., Law Office of Amy Sixt , Lynn
  
• 11:00 - 11:10 am

  Networking and Refreshment Break
• 11:10 - 11:45 am

  Challenges and Opportunities of New Technology and Social Media

  Christa A. Arcos, Esq., Arcos Law Office , Stoneham
  Christopher A. Callanan, Esq., Callanan Law LLP , Boston
  
• 11:45 - 12:15 pm

  Implicit Bias; The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion in the Legal Profession; And Promoting Access to Justice

  Gauri P. Punjabi, Esq., Boston Scientific , Marlborough
  
• 12:15 - 1:05 pm

  Tools and Resources for Maintaining Your Professional and Personal Well-Being: A Better Practice and a Better YOU
• 12:15 - 12:30 pm

  Top 10 Tips for Avoiding Rookie Missteps That Can Lead to an Inquiry from the Office of Bar Counsel

  Stacey A.L. Best, Esq., Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL | MassLOMAP). , Boston
  
• 12:30 - 1:05 pm

  Resources Abound: The Importance of Well-Being, and Tips for Caring for Yourself and Your Practice from Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL) and its Law Office Management Assistance Program (LOMAP)

  Heidi S. Alexander, Esq., Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Standing Committee on Lawyer Well-Being , Newton
  Dr. Jeff Fortgang, Ph.D, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL | MassLOMAP) , Boston
  
• 1:05 - 1:15 pm

  Closing Remarks and Distribution of Certificates of Completion

  Catherine F. Downing, Esq., Downing Van Dyke LLC , Framingham
  

Please Note

MCLE webcasts are delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal. There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only. They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.

Chair

Faculty