Product Description

A mandatory half-day, online only course for new lawyers on civility, relationship building, implicit bias, access to justice, and the financial, technological and personal challenges inherent in law practice

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.

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

Program Highlight! Commentary from a member of the SJC’s Standing Committee on Professionalism emphasizing the value of the course, and identifying attributes and the importance of professionalism in the practice of law, while also highlighting the historical significance of Massachusetts lawyers in upholding the rule of law

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 permitted to attend the day’s program, but must register for another course date.
• It is recommended that you sign in online at 8:30 am.

Registration Deadline

To ensure enrollment, register online as early as possible. Your online registration must be received no later than 7:00 am on the Friday before the program date. Registration will not be accepted after that time.

Resource Materials

A major advantage of taking Practicing with Professionalism at MCLE is the rich compilation of online resources—over 1,000 pages of searchable original articles from MCLE’s publications, and materials from a number of regulatory agencies and professional organizations. These materials serve not only as a valuable online companion for the program, but also as a continuing resource for research and reference in daily practice.

Agenda & Materials

• 9:00am - 9:05am

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

  A member of the SJC’s Standing Committee on Professionalism emphasizes the value of this course, and identifies attributes and the importance of professionalism in the practice of law, while also highlighting the historical significance of Massachusetts lawyers in upholding the rule of law.

  Ingrid C. Schroffner, Esq., University of Massachusetts/Amherst/ Medical Sch/Ctr Healthcare Finance , Shrewsbury
  
• 9:05pm - 9:45am

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

  Your reputation takes years to build; start off right today: Civility in attorney-client relationships, attorney-to-attorney interactions, relationships with colleagues (including non-attorney staff), and communication with court and government agency personnel must all be respectful and rooted in ethical principles. & How to artfully balance the tension between zealous advocacy and the duty to conduct oneself civilly at all times; and how to diffuse difficult personalities (Group session)

  Victoria M. Santoro Mair, Esq., Sweeney Merrigan Law LLP , Boston
  Jacquelynne J. Bowman, Esq., Greater Boston Legal Services , Boston
  
• 9:45am - 10:40am

  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
  Bethany Yue-Ping Li, Esq., Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund , New York
  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 Kippins, Esq., Lawyers for Civil Rights , Boston
  Michael James Merriam, Esq., Law Offices of Michael J. Merriam , Boston
  Christina Miller, Esq., Suffolk University Law School , Boston
  Victoria M. Santoro Mair, Esq., Sweeney Merrigan Law LLP , Boston
  Ingrid C. Schroffner, Esq., University of Massachusetts/Amherst/ Medical Sch/Ctr Healthcare Finance , Shrewsbury
  
• 10:40am - 11:20am

  Challenges and Opportunities of New Technology and Social Media

  Maximize the benefits of technology and social media in your practice and marketing, with civility, while steering clear of potential ethical traps and pitfalls.

  Sankeetha Selvarajah, Esq., Zensei Law P.C. , Boston
  
• 11:20am - 11:35am

  Break
• 11:35am - 12:20pm

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

  Impact implicit biases have on the practice of law, including on attorney interactions, client representation, court access, and jury selection. What can lawyers do to address this problem and promote diversity within, and equal service from, the legal profession?

  Susan Letterman White, JD, MS, Letterman White Consulting , Quincy
  
• 12:20pm - 1:05pm

  Tools and Resources for Maintaining Your Personal and Professional Well-Being: A Better Practice and a Better YOU
• 12:20pm - 12:35pm: Top 10 tips for avoiding rookie missteps that can lead to an inquiry from the Office of Bar Counsel

  Afton Pavletic, Esq., Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers , Boston
  
• 12:35pm - 1:05pm: 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)

  Dr. Jeff Fortgang, Ph.D, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL | MassLOMAP) , Boston
  
• 1:05pm - 1:15pm

  Closing Remarks

  Be proud to be a lawyer, and develop the great one inside you!

  Victoria M. Santoro Mair, Esq., Sweeney Merrigan Law LLP , Boston
  
• Please complete the program evaluation online: https://tinyurl.com/pwp-feb2024

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