Product Description

Available in-person at MCLE's Conference Center and via live webcast.

MCLE’s 24th Annual Workers’ Compensation Law Conference 2023, offered again in person and online, features experienced practitioners in the workers’ compensation field who, together with judges from the Department of Industrial Accidents and other professionals, provide practitioners with essential, comprehensive information on the most important topics and issues affecting this dynamic practice area. Learn about recent cases and legislation pertaining to workers’ compensation law and its practice and choose from a variety of workshop sessions including preparing and presenting lump sum settlements under current regulations, dealing with realistic Section 1(7A) issues, effectively enhancing benefits, and dealing with Sections 27, 27A and 28 claims. Hear an update on the national workers’ compensation scene. Get critical insights during the featured discussion, “60 Tips in 60 Minutes,” which provides “food for thought” for today’s virtual world, featuring veteran attorneys and judges who share their tips on day-to-day practice. As in the past, Senior Judge Omar Hernández provides an update on the state of affairs at the D.I.A post-pandemic.

Agenda & Materials

• 9:00 am - 9:05 am

  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
  
• 9:00 am - 9:05 am

  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
  
• 9:05 am - 9:45 am

  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.

  Hon. Peter M. Lauriat, JAMS , Boston
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• 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.
• 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 and Kane, 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
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  Ingrid C. Schroffner, Esq., University of Massachusetts/Amherst/ Medical Sch/Ctr Healthcare Finance , Shrewsbury
  
• 10:40 am - 11:20 am

  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.

  Sofia S. Lingos, Esq., Trident Legal LLC , Boston
  
• 11:20 am - 11:35 am

  Break
• 11:35 am - 12:00 pm

  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?

  Ingrid C. Schroffner, Esq., University of Massachusetts/Amherst/ Medical Sch/Ctr Healthcare Finance , Shrewsbury
  
• 12:00 pm - 1:05 pm

  Tools and Resources for Maintaining Your Professional and Personal Well-Being: A Better Practice and a Better You
• 12:20 pm - 12:35 pm

  • 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
  
• 12:35 pm - 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).

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

  Closing Remarks

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

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• Please complete the program evaluation online: https://tinyurl.com/pwp-nov2022

Cochairs

Faculty