Product Description

Online Session Only
Due to the ongoing public health crisis, this session will be held online via Zoom. Register for the in-person session, as usual. You will receive an email invitation with login information and instructions for the virtual session as the program date approaches. Attendance requirements remain in effect for the online session and will be enforced.

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

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 join online after the course has commenced will not be credited as having attend the day's program, but must register for another course date.

Agenda & Materials

• 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

  Check-In and Practicing with Professionalism Video Montage
• 9:00 a.m. – 9:05 a.m.

  Law as a Profession: The Relevance and Importance of the Practicing with Professionalism Requirement

  Ingrid C. Schroffner, Esq., University of Massachusetts/Amherst/ Medical Sch/Ctr Healthcare Finance , Shrewsbury
  
• 9:05 p.m. – 9:40 a.m.

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

  Jaclyn L. Kugell, Esq., Morgan, Brown & Joy LLP , Boston
  Hon. Peter M. Lauriat, JAMS , Boston
  
• 9:40 p.m. – 10:20 a.m

  Connecting with the Legal Community: Building Your Skills, Reputation, and Network through Pro Bono Work, Continuing Legal Education, and Engagement with Bar Associations
• • Supporting Access to Justice and Pro Bono Service

  Susan M. Finegan, Esq., Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo, PC , Boston
  Cynthia T. Runge, Esq., Peridot Family Law LLC , Boston
  Payal Salsburg, Esq., Laredo & Smith LLP , Boston
  
• • Engaging in Bar Associations and Continuing Your Legal Education

  Michael James Merriam, Esq., Law Offices of Michael J. Merriam , Boston
  Ingrid C. Schroffner, Esq., University of Massachusetts/Amherst/ Medical Sch/Ctr Healthcare Finance , Shrewsbury
  
• 10:20 a.m. – 11:10 a.m.

  Challenges and Opportunities of New Technology and Social Media

  Sofia S. Lingos, Esq., Trident Legal LLC , Boston
  
• 11:10 a.m. - 11:25 a.m.

  Break
• 11:25 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.

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

  Gauri P. Punjabi, Esq., Boston Scientific , Marlborough
  
• 12:05 p.m. – 12:20 p.m.

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

  David A. Kluft, Esq., Office of Bar Counsel, Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers , Boston
  
• 12:20 p.m. – 1:05 p.m.

  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).

  Shawn Healy, Ph.D, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL | MassLOMAP). , Boston
  
• 1:05 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

  Closing Remarks

  Jaclyn L. Kugell, Esq., Morgan, Brown & Joy LLP , Boston
  

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.

Faculty