Product Description

Thorough trial preparedness does not end at the close of evidence. A crucial aspect of any trial in the Probate & Family Court is the submission of persuasive post-trial pleadings. Post-trial pleadings are an opportunity to summarize the relevant evidence presented at trial; cite the legal authority in support of your case; and offer a detailed rationale for your position. It is critical to provide the presiding judge with an exhaustive summary of the case presented at trial on behalf of your client.

This seminar offers practitioners insightful and practical advice to ensure your posttrial submissions are well-drafted and include all of the case’s important elements. 

Agenda & Materials

• 2:00pm - 2:05pm

  Welcome and Introduction

  Hon. Christine D. Anthony, Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Lowell
  Erin M. Shapiro, Esq., Atwood & Cherny, PC , Newton Center
  
• 2:05pm - 2:20pm

  Framing a Case Through a Comprehensive Pre-Trial Memorandum

  Hon. Nan M. Sauer, Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Erin M. Shapiro, Esq., Atwood & Cherny, PC , Newton Center
  Nicholas J. Plante, Esq., Schwartz & Plante , Worcester
  
• 2:20pm - 2:30pm

  Distinctions Between Findings of Fact and Rationale

  Hon. Christine D. Anthony, Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Lowell
  
• 2:30pm - 2:45pm

  Importance of Citing to Oral and Documentary Evidence in Findings of Fact

  Hon. Nan M. Sauer, Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  
• 2:45pm - 2:55pm

  Benefits of a Stenographer/Transcript to Cite to Testimony

  Erin M. Shapiro, Esq., Atwood & Cherny, PC , Newton Center
  
• 2:55pm - 3:10pm

  Covering All of the G.L. c. 208, § 34 Factors in Post-Trial Divorce Proceedings

  Panel
  
• 3:10pm - 3:25pm

  Citing Relevant Standards of Review and Applicable Law in Conclusions of Law

  Hon. Christine D. Anthony, Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Lowell
  
• 3:25pm - 3:35pm

  Filing of Post-Trial Submissions Including Thumb Drives and Hard Copies

  Hon. Christine D. Anthony, Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Lowell
  Hon. Nan M. Sauer, Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  
• 3:35pm - 3:50pm

  Post-Judgment Pleadings and the Proper Use of 2-99 Motions

  Nicholas J. Plante, Esq., Schwartz & Plante , Worcester
  Erin M. Shapiro, Esq., Atwood & Cherny, PC , Newton Center
  
• 3:50pm - 4:00pm

  "Ask the Experts" Q&A Session and Key Takeaways

  Panel
  

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.

Cochairs

Faculty