MassBar Beat

Do you need a license to drive a boat? Can you swim on a private beach? Are you allowed to have a fire pit or serve alcohol at your backyard BBQ? In this episode, host Jordan Rich talks with Boston attorney Samuel A. Segal, chair of the Massachusetts Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division, about the Massachusetts laws governing everyone's favorite summertime activities.

How do you find a lawyer who speaks your language when your English is limited? What happens when you go to court? In this episode, which is also available in Spanish, learn about the resources available to help non-English speakers successfully navigate the courts in Massachusetts. Host Jordan Rich speaks with attorney Melissa A. Juárez about the multilingual resources offered by the Massachusetts Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service, and the translation services offered by the courts. You'll also learn about some new ideas for increasing access to justice in Massachusetts, including Spanish-language drug courts. (También disponible en Español.)

¿Cómo puede encontrar un abogado que hable su idioma cuando su inglés es limitado? ¿Qué pasa cuando va a la corte? En éste episodio, que también está disponible en Español, conozca los recursos disponibles para ayudar a los que no hablan inglés a tener éxito en los tribunales de Massachusetts. La anfitriona, Iliana Burton, habla con la abogada Melissa A. Juárez sobre los recursos multilingües ofrecidos por el Servicio de Referencia de Abogados de la Asociación de Abogados de Massachusetts, y los servicios de traducción que ofrecen las cortes. También aprenderá sobre algunas ideas nuevas para aumentar el acceso a la justicia en Massachusetts, incluídos Las cortes de drogas en Español. (This podcast is also available in English.)

April 2018 will be remembered as the month when lawmakers introduced the most ambitious reform of Massachusetts’ criminal justice system in decades. Signed into law by Gov. Charlie Baker, the sweeping legislation was the result of a bipartisan compromise between Democrats and Republicans, with additional support from prosecutors, attorneys and advocacy organizations, including the MBA.

“Criminal Justice Reform: The Latest on the New Law” educates legal professionals and the public about specific provisions contained in the bill, with expert analysis by MBA member attorneys Anthony J. Benedetti of the Committee for Public Counsel Services and Lee J. Gartenberg of the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Department. Hosted by Jordan Rich, the podcast examines fundamental changes related to the treatment of juvenile offenders, major reforms to the bail system, and the elimination of mandatory minimums for certain low-level offenses, among many other topics.

The second of a two-part series, attorney Thomas M. Bond, chair of the Massachusetts Bar Association's Judicial Administration Section, talks with host Jordan Rich about appearing as an attorney in state court (Superior Court, in particular) in Massachusetts. You'll learn about the benefits of having your case in state court, get an overview of some of the most important rules, and hear insights on courtroom etiquette. Massachusetts Bar Association members can also access related materials on the topic in the Judicial Administration library on My Bar Access: https://is.gd/MBA_CourtRules.

The first of a two-part series, attorney Thomas M. Bond, chair of the Massachusetts Bar Association's Judicial Administration Section, talks with host Jordan Rich about appearing as an attorney in federal court in Massachusetts. You'll learn about the benefits of having your case in federal court, get an overview of some of the most important rules, and hear insights on courtroom etiquette. Massachusetts Bar Association members can also access related materials on the topic in the Judicial Administration library on My Bar Access: https://is.gd/MBA_CourtRules.

Elder law is more than just estate planning. As the population ages and people live longer, many will encounter important legal issues that can affect their home, health and financial well-being. In this episode, host Jordan Rich and attorney Alex L. Moschella, the chair of the Massachusetts Bar Association's Elder Law Advisory Committee, answer some commonly asked questions and discuss the MBA's Elder Law Education Program (www.massbar.org/elderlaw). From wills and trusts to health care proxies, powers of attorney, reverse mortgages and long-term care options, learn which documents and strategies are available to help you take control of your future.

Each day people facing life-changing legal issues are going to court alone because they don't qualify for legal aid or cannot afford a lawyer. It's created a justice gap. But there are efforts under way to address these unmet legal needs. Host Jordan Rich talks with attorneys Len Zandrow of UMass School of Law's Justice Bridge Legal Center (www.justice-bridge.org) and Damian Turco of Lawyers for Affordable Justice (www.lawyers4aj.org) about how legal incubators like theirs are working to close the justice gap by pairing newer attorneys, or lawyers committed to representing clients at discount, with modest-means clients.

Ending a marriage is never an easy decision. But for those who have made the choice to divorce, there are several options available to work through the process. Host Jordan Rich talks with attorney Heidi R. Webb of Consilium Divorce Consultations about the lawyer-client relationship, the interplay between law and psychology, and the different paths available, from traditional divorce to mediation, arbitration, conciliation, collaborative law and limited assistance representation.

The holidays can be the most demanding time of year -- especially for those in the legal community. In this episode, host Jordan Rich talks with MBA Law Practice Management Chair Susan Letterman White (Law Office Management Assistance Program) and clinician Barbara Bowe, LICSW (Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers) about suggestions for lawyers and others in the legal community on how to handle holiday stress. This podcast discusses some of the topics covered at the Dec. 12, 2017, Massachusetts Bar Association CLE Program: "Holiday Game Strong -- Tools to Reclaim Joy this Season." https://www.massbar.org/events/cle-program?productId=6002&kitId=6006&view=month