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

• 9:00 am - 9:05 am

  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 AM - 9:45 AM

  PROFESSIONALISM IN DEVELOPING, MANAGING, AND MAINTAINING RELATIONSHIPS—AND IN PROBLEM SOLVING

  Michael P. Sams, Esq., Kenney & Sams, PC , Boston
  Hon. Alexander Mitchell-Munevar, Central Division, Housing Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  
• 9:45 AM - 10:40 AM

  CONNECTING WITH THE LEGAL COMMUNITY: Building your Skills, Reputation, and Network through Pro Bono Work, Continuing Legal Education, and Engagement with Bar Associations

  Ingrid C. Schroffner, Esq., University of Massachusetts/Amherst/ Medical Sch/Ctr Healthcare Finance , Shrewsbury
  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 and Kane, LLP , Boston
  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
  
• 10:40 AM - 11:20 AM

  CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF NEW TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL MEDIA

  Melissa A. Levine-Piro, Esq., Hera Law Group , Maynard
  Lindsey E. Egan, Esq., Egan Law Center , Manchester-by-the-Sea
  
• 11:20 AM - 11:35 AM

  BREAK
• 11:35 AM - 12:20 PM

  IMPLICIT BIAS; THE IMPORTANCE OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION; AND PROMOTING ACCESS TO JUSTICE

  Ingrid C. Schroffner, Esq., University of Massachusetts/Amherst/ Medical Sch/Ctr Healthcare Finance , Shrewsbury
  
• 12:20 PM - 1:05 PM

  TOOLS AND RESOURCES FOR MAINTAINING YOUR PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL WELL-BEING: A BETTER PRACTICE AND A BETTER YOU

  Afton Pavletic, Esq., Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers , Boston
  Dr. Jeff Fortgang, Ph.D, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL | MassLOMAP) , Boston
  
• Closing Remarks

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