Product Description

You need a solid, basic understanding of zoning in order to represent clients who deal with real estate. Zoning issues arise regularly for the residential real property conveyancer, high-stakes commercial deal-maker, title certifier, developer’s counsel, lender’s counsel, business or litigation generalist, and municipal lawyer. This program explains the basics of zoning in Massachusetts. It is geared to those who are relatively new lawyers or new to the practice area, but also offers value for the more experienced practitioner who wants a refresher course. Planners and other non-lawyers also find it helpful. Learn how to review and apply a zoning ordinance or bylaw, how to be effective in practicing before local boards, and what happens in an appeal to the Land Court. Let MCLE’s faculty of zoning experts strengthen your skill set for your next zoning-related matter.

Agenda & Materials

• 9:30 - 10:10 am

  Welcome and Introduction to Basic Zoning Concepts

  on demand video Add to Cart
• 1:00pm - 2:15pm

  Fish Bowl and Debrief

  Paul L. Feldman, Esq., Davis, Malm & D'Agostine, PC , Boston
  Michael S. Giaimo, Esq., API Northeast Region , Boston
  Robert A. Fishman, Esq.,
  
• 10:10 - 11:05 am

  Overview of Site Plan Review and Automatic Grants

  on demand video Add to Cart

  Michael S. Giaimo, Esq., API Northeast Region , Boston
  
• 2:15pm - 2:30pm

  Break
• 11:05 - 11:15 am

  Networking and Refreshment Break
• 11:15 - 12:05 pm

  Practical Tips for Obtaining Zoning Relief Before Local Boards; Special Permits and Variances

  on demand video Add to Cart

  Paul L. Feldman, Esq., Davis, Malm & D'Agostine, PC , Boston
  
• 2:30pm - 3:00pm

  Reframing: The Art of Saying What No One Wants to Hear
• 12:05 - 12:35 pm

  Recent Developments in Zoning Law

  on demand video Add to Cart

  Amy E. Kwesell, Esq., KP Law, PC , Boston
  
• 12:45 - 1:30 pm

  Networking Lunch (Casual networking with registrants; Lunch provided for speakers only)

  Michael S. Giaimo, Esq., API Northeast Region , Boston
  
• 12:45 - 1:30 pm

  Networking Lunch (Casual networking with registrants; Lunch provided for speakers only)

  Michael S. Giaimo, Esq., API Northeast Region , Boston
  
• 3:00pm - 4:30pm

  Small Role Play Groups

  Johanna W. Schneider, Esq., Hemenway & Barnes LLP , Boston
  Hon. Howard P. Speicher, (Ret.), Land Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  
• 2:30 - 2:35 pm

  “Ask the Experts” Q&A Session

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  Panel
  
• 2:35 - 3:15 pm

  Understanding Non-Conforming Uses and Structures and Zoning Freezes

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  Paula M. Devereaux, Esq., Pierce Atwood LLP , Boston
  Robert A. Fishman, Esq.,
  
• 3:15 - 3:20 pm

  Networking and Refreshment Break
• 4:30pm - 5:00pm

  Group Debrief and Q&A
• 3:20 - 3:50 pm

  Ethical Considerations in Zoning Practice

  on demand video Add to Cart

  Michael S. Giaimo, Esq., API Northeast Region , Boston
  
• 3:50 - 4:20 pm

  Differences in Boston Zoning

  on demand video Add to Cart

  Paula M. Devereaux, Esq., Pierce Atwood LLP , Boston
  
• Day 2: Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 8:30am - 5:00pm
• Day 2: Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 8:30am - 5:00pm
• 8:30am - 9:00am

  Introduction
• 9:00am - 10:00am

  Impact of Divorce on Kids – What Kids Need
• Comments
• 10:00am - 10:15am

  Break
• 10:15am - 10:45am

  Demonstration and Discussion
• 10:45am - 11:45am

  Role Plays in Break-Out Groups
• 11:45am - 12:00pm

  Debrief Morning Role Play
• 12:00pm - 1:00pm

  Lunch (on your own)
• 1:00pm - 2:15pm

  Panel Discussion - Common Child Issues in Mediation
• 2:15pm - 2:30pm

  Break
• 2:30pm - 3:00pm

  Demonstration and Discussion
• 3:00pm - 4:30pm

  Afternoon Role Plays in Break-out Groups
• 4:30pm - 5:00pm

  Debrief Role Plays and Wrap-Up
• Day 3: Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 8:30pm - 5:00pm
• 8:30am - 8:35am

  Introduction
• 8:35am - 9:05am

  How Can You Say That? The Mediator's Toolbox
• 9:05am - 9:45am

  The Use of Caucusing in Mediation
• 9:45am - 10:00am

  Break
• 10:00am - 12:00pm

  Role Play - Small Groups
• 12:00pm - 12:30pm

  Debrief Morning Role Play
• 12:30pm - 1:30pm

  Lunch (on your own)
• 1:30pm - 2:15pm

  Legal and Ethical Issues in Mediation
• 2:15pm - 3:00pm

  Standard of Practice and Ethical Dilemmas
• 3:00pm - 3:45pm

  Psychological Issues in Family Mediation
• 3:45pm - 3:50pm

  Break
• 3:50pm - 4:50pm

  Diversity, Gender, and Cultural Issues in Mediation
• 4:50pm - 5:00pm

  Review and Questions
• Day 4: Thursday, February 26, 2026, 8:30am - 3:30pm
• 8:30am - 8:45am

  Welcome and Introduction
• 8:45am - 10:00am

  Screening for Appropriateness of Mediation and Role Play
• Fishbowl Exercise
• 10:00am - 10:15am

  Break
• 10:15am - 12:30pm

  Agreement Writing: Purposes, Pitfalls, Good Practice
• 12:30pm - 1:30pm

  Lunch - Guest Speakers over the lunch
• 1:30pm - 2:30pm

  Nuts and Bolts & Building Your Practice
• 2:30pm - 3:15pm

  Listening Deeply to Your Client
• 3:15pm - 3:30pm

  Post Training Resources
• 3:30pm - 4:30pm

  Debrief and Questions

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.

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Faculty