The practice of law is often
adversarial. But even when zealously representing one’s client, it’s important to act in a
manner that is both civil and professional. Attorneys who effectively balance
the combative elements of advocacy with a courteous nature stand to
enable their clients to obtain the most favorable results.
Our panelists will facilitate and engage in an interactive discussion that
will address fundamental methods and approaches to resolving disputes
rationally, efficiently and peacefully. Topics will include:
- Civility in the profession: interactive discussion
and analysis
- Defining what it is to be a professional and how to
be effective counsel
- Managing professional relationships
- Dealing with opposing counsel and court personnel
- Respecting schedules
- Avoiding unnecessary animosity
- Respect and candor in the courtroom
- How to make demands without sounding demanding
- Discovery disputes
- The attorney/client relationship: using legal language
without using legalese
The panel welcomes questions from course participants. If you have a
specific question about how to properly and professionally handle a dispute with
another attorney, please submit that question to education@massbar.org for the
panel's consideration.
Faculty:
Christopher P. Sullivan, Esq., Moderator
Robins Kaplan LLP, Boston
Hon. Nancy Holtz (ret.), Panelist
JAMS, Boston
Lindsay Manning Burke, Esq., Panelist
Kenney & Sams PC, Southborough
Scott Heidorn, Esq., Panelist
Bergstresser & Pollock LLC, Boston
Craig D. Levey, Esq., Panelist
Bennett & Belfort, P.C., Cambridge