Mike shares how his firm’s transition to Bowditch & Dewey marked a strategic shift toward greater depth, stability, and long-term growth. He reflects on the realities of law firm mergers, the importance of cultural fit, and why thoughtful, deliberate decision-making matters when navigating professional change. At the same time, he explores what it truly takes to master trial advocacy — not just knowing the rules of evidence but developing the judgment to use them effectively in real time.

With practical insight and courtroom perspective, Mike discusses:

Mike emphasizes that becoming a strong trial lawyer is an iterative process — one that requires repetition, reflection, and real courtroom experience. He underscores that continuing legal education is not simply a requirement, but a professional obligation and opportunity to refine craft, build community, and elevate standards across the bar.

Featured Guest

Mike Sams —Litigation Practice Area Co-Leader at Bowditch & Dewey, Mike is a seasoned trial lawyer and business litigator serving companies throughout New England. He represents clients in complex construction and business disputes before state and federal courts and arbitration forums. A respected advocate and risk management advisor, Mike also chairs MCLE’s Making Objections Workshop and serves on MCLE’s Board of Trustees.

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Important Note:
Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing high-quality, practical continuing legal education for the legal community. As part of its educational mission, MCLE presents a wide range of viewpoints and instructional content intended solely for educational purposes.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by individual participants in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of MCLE, its Board of Trustees, staff, or affiliated institutions. Inclusion of any material or commentary does not constitute an endorsement of any position on any issue by MCLE.

Chris shares how the pandemic prompted a fundamental shift in how he viewed his role as a lawyer — from focusing primarily on results to becoming deeply intentional about how clients feel at every stage of representation. He explains why client service begins at intake, long before a fee agreement is signed, and why firms that ignore the client experience do so at their own risk.

With honesty, humor, and concrete examples, Chris discusses:

• Why client experience starts at the first phone call — and how tone, empathy, and responsiveness shape trust
• How over-communication beats silence, even when there are no case updates
• Using client portals, automation, and surveys to improve communication without increasing attorney workload
• Turning clients into “raving fans” who drive referrals long after a case ends
• Why unhappy clients rarely complain directly — but always remember poor communication
• How brutal honesty, delivered with care, strengthens client relationships
• The parallels between law firms and service businesses like restaurants and Amazon
• How improving client experience benefits not only clients, but also staff morale and firm culture

Chris emphasizes that most of the most impactful improvements to client experience are low-cost or free, requiring intention rather than technology — and that firms who prioritize service see fewer bar complaints, better reviews, and stronger reputations over time.

Featured Guest

Chris Earley, Esq. — Boston personal injury attorney and firm owner with nearly 20 years of experience. Chris focuses on client-centered practice design, communication systems, and building law firms that grow through trust, service, and referrals.

Links and Resources:

MCLE Online Pass

Earley Law Group Injury Lawyers

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Important Note:
Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing high-quality, practical continuing legal education for the legal community. As part of its educational mission, MCLE presents a wide range of viewpoints and instructional content intended solely for educational purposes.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by individual participants in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of MCLE, its Board of Trustees, staff, or affiliated institutions. Inclusion of any material or commentary does not constitute an endorsement of any position on any issue by MCLE.

In this episode:

Host Bruce Richard sits down with immigration attorney Robin Nice for an in-depth discussion about the legal and human realities of ICE enforcement in the United States. With over a decade of experience representing asylum seekers and families facing deportation, Robin explains how attorneys can better understand clients’ rights and the rapidly changing landscape of immigration policy.

With expertise and passion, Robin unpacks:

• What ICE actually is — and how its authority differs from local police
• Common misconceptions about warrants, detentions, and client rights
• How enforcement priorities have changed under different administrations
• What to do when a client is detained — from filing bond motions to habeas petitions
• Due process breakdowns inside the immigration system
• How federal district courts can serve as a safeguard against overreach
• The human cost of a system that leaves families in fear, uncertainty, and legal limbo

Robin also discusses the urgent need for legal reform, the impact of current policies on asylum seekers, and the moral and constitutional questions every lawyer should be asking about immigration enforcement today.

Featured Guest:
Robin Nice, Esq. — Partner at McHaffey & Nice, a Boston-based firm focused exclusively on immigration law, specializing in asylum and humanitarian relief. Robin brings 13 years of experience advocating for individuals and families navigating the U.S. immigration system.

Links and Resources:

MCLE Online Pass

McHaffey & Nice

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Important Note:
Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing high-quality, practical continuing legal education for the legal community. As part of its educational mission, MCLE presents a wide range of viewpoints and instructional content intended solely for educational purposes.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by individual participants in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of MCLE, its Board of Trustees, staff, or affiliated institutions. Inclusion of any material or commentary does not constitute an endorsement of any position on any issue by MCLE.

In this episode:

Host Bruce Richard interviews Tyler Summers, a Massachusetts family law attorney who has grown a strong social media following by producing engaging, informative, and often humorous content about divorce, prenups, and family law. Tyler offers practical advice for attorneys who are curious about using social media to expand their reach without compromising professionalism.

With openness, humor, and hard-earned experience, Tyler shares his thoughts on:

• Finding balance between professionalism and relatability on platforms like Instagram and TikTok
• The biggest misconceptions about social media marketing for lawyers — including the myth that followers instantly translate to clients
• Handling viral content responsibly, including lessons learned from controversial posts
• Producing high-quality, consistent content that reflects your brand and values
• Time management and team support — how outsourcing editing and production helped him stay focused on client work
• Doing due diligence before hiring a social media marketing company
• The long game of growth — how patience and persistence lead to genuine engagement and opportunities

Tyler’s insights offer attorneys practical takeaways for developing an authentic online presence that supports, rather than distracts their legal careers.

Featured Guest:
Tyler Summers, Esq. — Founder of Summers Family Law, based in Needham with a satellite office in Boston’s Back Bay. Tyler focuses exclusively on family law, including divorce and prenuptial agreements, and has built a following of over 50,000 on Instagram by blending humor, insight, and education in his legal content.

Links and Resources:

MCLE Online Pass

Tyler' Instagram

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Important Note:
Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing high-quality, practical continuing legal education for the legal community. As part of its educational mission, MCLE presents a wide range of viewpoints and instructional content intended solely for educational purposes.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by individual participants in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of MCLE, its Board of Trustees, staff, or affiliated institutions. Inclusion of any material or commentary does not constitute an endorsement of any position on any issue by MCLE.

In this episode:

Host Bruce Richard sits down with Superior Court Judges Beverly Cannone and Catherine Ham for an engaging and positive discussion about trial practice from the judges’ perspective. Rather than focusing on common pitfalls, they highlight the five things attorneys do in the courtroom that they truly value.

With humor, candor, and decades of combined courtroom experience, Judges Cannone and Ham offer practical advice on:

• Why emotional intelligence and civility matter as much as legal knowledge
• The importance of honesty, candor, and building a reputation for integrity
• How preparation — especially for younger lawyers — sets the foundation for success
• The role of professionalism and formality in establishing credibility in court
• Respecting jurors’ time and maintaining focus on the client’s case

This conversation provides attorneys with concrete, real-world guidance to strengthen advocacy, build trust with judges, and enhance courtroom effectiveness.

Featured Guests:

Judge Beverly Cannone, Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Superior Court, longtime public defender, and veteran trial advocacy teacher at Harvard Law School and MCLE.

Judge Catherine Ham, Associate Justice of the Superior Court and former Assistant District Attorney in Suffolk County’s Homicide Unit, with years of trial experience in criminal and civil law.

Links and Resources:

MCLE Online Pass

Connect with us on social!

• Instagram: mcle.newengland
• LinkedIn: Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE│New England)
• X (Formerly Twitter): MCLENewEngland
• Bluesky: mclenewengland.bsky.social
• Facebook: MCLE New England

Important Note:
Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing high-quality, practical continuing legal education for the legal community. As part of its educational mission, MCLE presents a wide range of viewpoints and instructional content intended solely for educational purposes.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by individual participants in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of MCLE, its Board of Trustees, staff, or affiliated institutions. Inclusion of any material or commentary does not constitute an endorsement of any position on any issue by MCLE.

In this Episode:

Host Bruce Richard sits down with elder law attorney and MCLE author Brian E. Barreira to separate fact from fiction in long-term care and MassHealth planning. In a wide-ranging discussion packed with practical insights, Brian highlights three critical issues that all legal practitioners, and their clients should better understand:

• Why going on MassHealth doesn’t mean receiving inferior nursing home care
• The surprising benefits of probate for married couples and how it can protect assets
• When putting a house or assets into a trust helps—and when it can actually hurt

With clarity and candor, Brian challenges conventional estate planning advice and explains why thoughtful, individualized strategies are essential when planning for long-term care costs in Massachusetts.

Featured Guest:

Brian E. Barreira is a nationally respected elder law and estate planning attorney based in Plymouth, Massachusetts. With decades of experience, he has authored numerous articles and leads MCLE’s flagship publication Elder and Disability Law in Massachusetts, where he also serves as chief editor. Brian’s thoughtful, nuanced approach helps clients and practitioners alike navigate the often confusing intersection of healthcare planning, tax consequences, and legal safeguards.

Links and Resources:

MCLE Online Pass

Elder and Disability Law in Massachusetts (MCLE Publication)

Brian E. Barreira, Attorney at Law – Official Website

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Important Note:
Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing high-quality, practical continuing legal education for the legal community. As part of its educational mission, MCLE presents a wide range of viewpoints and instructional content intended solely for educational purposes.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by individual participants in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of MCLE, its Board of Trustees, staff, or affiliated institutions. Inclusion of any material or commentary does not constitute an endorsement of any position on any issue by MCLE.

In This Episode:

Host Bruce Richard sits down with seasoned family law attorney Jonathan P. Fields to explore how the concept of fairness in divorce often requires more than a 50/50 split. Together, they discuss:

• When and why “equal” doesn’t always mean “fair” in asset division
• The impact of trusts, inheritances, and premarital assets
• Conduct-based arguments in high-conflict divorces
• Creative strategies for navigating inequitable circumstances
• The evolving influence of the Alimony Reform Act on property division

Featured Guest:

Jonathan P. Fields is a founding partner of Fields & Dennis LLP in Wellesley, Massachusetts, where he focuses on complex family law matters including divorce, asset division, and alimony. A recognized voice in the field, Jonathan frequently presents at MCLE and other legal education forums, offering practical guidance on equitable distribution, financial strategies in divorce, and ethical advocacy.

With more than 30 years of experience and a passion for exploring the human side of legal conflict, Jonathan brings both analytical rigor and thoughtful perspective to this often-contentious area of practice.

Links and Resources:

MCLE Online Pass

Fields & Dennis LLP – Official Website

Identifying & Proving When 50/50 Isn't Fair

M.G.L. Chapter 208, Section 34 – Division of Property

Alimony Reform Act of 2011

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Important Note:
Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing high-quality, practical continuing legal education for the legal community. As part of its educational mission, MCLE presents a wide range of viewpoints and instructional content intended solely for educational purposes.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by individual participants in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of MCLE, its Board of Trustees, staff, or affiliated institutions. Inclusion of any material or commentary does not constitute an endorsement of any position on any issue by MCLE.

In This Episode:
Host Bruce Richard sits down with renowned attorney Rachel M. Self to explore the fast-evolving landscape of immigration law in the United States and what every lawyer should know to be a better advocate for non-citizen clients. Together, they discuss:

• Navigating emergency ICE detention and court wins
• Responding to the Martha’s Vineyard migrant flights
• Understanding immigration status categories every lawyer should know

Featured Guest:

Rachel M. Self is a nationally recognized immigration and criminal defense attorney practicing in Boston. As the founder of Rachel M. Self, P.C., she focuses on complex deportation defense, post-conviction relief, and crimmigration matters. Fluent in Spanish, Rachel has appeared as a legal analyst on CNN and Fox News and was instrumental in mobilizing legal support for the 49 migrants flown to Martha’s Vineyard in 2022.

Her advocacy in that case earned her national recognition, including Honorable Mention as a Bostonian of the Year by The Boston Globe Magazine. Rachel is also a frequent speaker for MCLE, AILA, and judicial education programs across the country.

Links and Resources:

MCLE Online Pass

Rachel M. Self P.C. - Boston

National Immigration Alliance

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Important Note:
Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing high-quality, practical continuing legal education for the legal community. As part of its educational mission, MCLE presents a wide range of viewpoints and instructional content intended solely for educational purposes.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by individual participants in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of MCLE, its Board of Trustees, staff, or affiliated institutions. Inclusion of any material or commentary does not constitute an endorsement of any position on any issue by MCLE.

In This Episode:
Host Bruce sits down with family law attorney Hope Simas from Kates & Barlow to discuss:

• What it was like handling her first deposition and contested hearing
• How new lawyers can navigate different partner expectations
• The reality of courtroom nerves, client reactions, and finding confidence
• Her experience as ARC (Attorneys Representing Children) counsel
• Favorite de-stressing methods—plus a deep dive into cooking ceviche

Featured Guest:

Hope Simas

• Family Law Attorney, Kates & Barlow - Boston
• ARC Appointed Counsel (Suffolk County)

Don’t Miss:

• Tips for building early-career confidence in law
• What it’s really like to represent a child in family court
• Hope’s reflections on rewarding custody cases and how she resets after tough days

Links and Resources:

MCLE Online Pass

Connect with us on social!

• Instagram: mcle.newengland
• LinkedIn: Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE│New England)
• X (Formerly Twitter): MCLENewEngland
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Important Note:
Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing high-quality, practical continuing legal education for the legal community. As part of its educational mission, MCLE presents a wide range of viewpoints and instructional content intended solely for educational purposes.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by individual participants in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of MCLE, its Board of Trustees, staff, or affiliated institutions. Inclusion of any material or commentary does not constitute an endorsement of any position on any issue by MCLE.

In This Episode:
Host Bruce Richard sits down with Brendan McSheffrey to explore:

• The Kendall AI Project’s mission to make AI accessible and actionable for businesses and legal professionals.
• Practical tips for attorneys on getting started with AI tools like ChatGPT and others.
• Brendan’s five foundational rules for AI excellence, including problem-driven innovation and the importance of team collaboration.
• Insights on training AI models to reflect personal and organizational preferences.

Featured Guest:
Brendan McSheffrey

• Entrepreneur and AI advocate
• Co-founder of the Kendall AI Project

Don’t Miss:

• Brendan’s strategies for integrating AI into solo and small firm practices.
• How to create a custom AI model for unique professional and personal needs.
• A candid discussion on the challenges and future of AI in the legal industry.

Links and Resources:

• Kendall AI Project - Boston
• MCLE Online Pass
• AI Tools Mentioned: ChatGPT, Anthropic, Perplexity

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• Instagram: mcle.newengland
• LinkedIn: Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE│New England)
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Important Note:
Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing high-quality, practical continuing legal education for the legal community. As part of its educational mission, MCLE presents a wide range of viewpoints and instructional content intended solely for educational purposes.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by individual participants in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of MCLE, its Board of Trustees, staff, or affiliated institutions. Inclusion of any material or commentary does not constitute an endorsement of any position on any issue by MCLE.