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Many area attorneys and law students alike came together on April 11th to hear a distinguished panel of experts speak about diversity in the practice of law. Scenes from the event:

 

 

 

 

 

 

The recent event held in March at the Hyatt Regency in Boston attracted larger numbers than expected. Members of both MassDLA and MATA gathered to hear tips from experts on both sides of the bar about how to advocate effectively and professionally. Following the experts' presentation both sides joined in refreshments and laughs with comedian Rick Roberts.  More than one attendee suggested this joint event for an annual return.  Scenes from the night:

 

  Andrew Abraham, immediate Past President of MATA speaks, left.

  Bob Curley, Past President of MassDLA and Defense Lawyer of the Year speaks, right.

 

Christopher Kenney, Past President and Defense Lawyer of the Year for MassDLA speaks, left.

From Left to Right: Mike Sams, Holly Polglase, Marianne LeBlanc, John ryan, Brad Henry, Bob Curley, Annette Gonthier-Kiley, Patrick Jones, Andrew Abraham, Christopher Kenney, Peter Knight and Tim Kelleher.

The Massachusetts Defense Lawyers Association (MassDLA) held its Winter Social on January 31st at the Boston College Club, located high atop the financial district of the city with over 80 members and guests in attendance. After a brief presentation about the organization’s coming events from MassDLA President Mike Sams, DRI Representative Emily Coughlin explained the benefits of joint DRI/MassDLA membership to the group.

In addition to the BC Club event, Ray Catougno hosted a Winter Social in Springfield on February 6th for members and friends of MassDLA in the western part of the state, pictured here.

This informal event is gaining in popularity each year. This year’s events saw almost a 50% increase in attendance over last year. Members and guests enjoyed refreshments, conversation, breathtaking views of the Boston skyline and the generosity of Ray Catougno and other sponsors. The attendees were also able to meet with many of the organization’s past presidents and Defense Lawyer of the Year recipients. MassDLA thanks all of its loyal sponsors who helped make these events such a success.

Judge Cohen, Pam Berman and Judge Saris, pictured from left to right, speak at the Women in the Courtroom Event sponsored by MassDLA on November 28, 2012.

 

  

 

     U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz (at right) addresses the audience at the recent Women in the Courtroom event at the Federal Courthouse in Boston.

 

    Women in the Courtroom Event Participants

Women in the Courtroom moderators and panelists (L-R) Grace Garcia, Elizabeth Mulvey, Lisa Goodheart, Judge Cohen, U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz, Pam Berman, Judge Saris and Emily Coughlin.

    

               

                                                                                

                   

The Massachusetts Defense Lawyers Association celebrated another successful year with its Annual Meeting and Spring Seminar on May 21, 2012, at the InterContinental Boston Hotel.  This event has continued to grow in oth popularity and content over the years, and this year was no exception.  More than 170 members and non-members attended the meeting, which included a morning of continuing legal education presentations. The presentations included views from Superior Court Associate Justice Maynard Kirpalani, mediators, the ever popular analysis of recent developments in defense practice, a discussion of expert analysis of geotechnical boring logs and a session on liability/coverage issues stemming from criminal convictions. 

After the presentations, the membership enjoyed a luncheon which included an insightful and enlightening speech by U.S. Chief District Court Judge Patti B. Saris. The association again approved new by-laws and ratified the appointment of its Board of Directors for 2013.  It also presented the Defense Lawyer of the Year Award to DRI Northeast Regional Director Chris Kenney, recognizing his skill and talent as a trial attorney and his extraordinary contributions to the MassDLA, DRI and other bar associations. Chris and the organization were pleased to hear from DRI Immediate Past President, Matt Cairns, who made a special trip to Boston for the event.  Congratulations Chris!   DRI State Representative Emily Coughlin applauded the efforts of outgoing President Anthony J. Sbarra, Jr. of Hermes, Netburn, O’Connor & Spearing, P.C., particularly his outstanding work as an ambassador for the association throughout his tenure.  In turn, Mr. Sbarra welcomed incoming President, Michael Sams of Kenney & Sams, P.C. 

On February 9, 2012, the Massachusetts Defense Lawyers Association (MassDLA) held its Winter Social at the Boston College Club, located high atop the financial district of the city. After a brief presentation concerning the organization’s coming events from MassDLA President Tony Sbarra, DRI Regional Representative Chris Kenney explained the benefits of joint DRI/MassDLA membership to the group.  IADC Representative Bob Curley also made a brief presentation about its upcoming trial seminar.

 This informal event is gaining in popularity each year.  This year’s event was very well attended and the members and guests enjoyed refreshments, conversation and breathtaking views of the Boston skyline.  The attendees were also able to meet with many of the organization’s past presidents and Defense Lawyer of the Year recipients.  MassDLA thanks its loyal sponsors who helped make this event such a success.