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The MBA’s weekly newsletter, with information about upcoming MBA events, members in the news and more.

Sen. Spilka to receive MBA Legislator of the Year Award

Thursday, Mar. 23, 2017
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Senate Ways and Means Chair Karen E. Spilka (D-Second Middlesex and Norfolk)

The Massachusetts Bar Association will honor Senate Ways and Means Chair Karen E. Spilka (D-Second Middlesex and Norfolk) with its Legislator of the Year Award at the May 4 Annual Dinner.

The MBA's Legislator of the Year Award is presented annually to a state or federal legislator who has distinguished him/herself in public service through outstanding contributions to the legal profession, courts and administration of justice.

"Chairwoman Spilka is a well-respected leader in the Legislature and a committed advocate for juvenile justice issues," said MBA Chief Legal Counsel and Chief Operating Officer Martin W. Healy. "We are proud to recognize her for her continued public service and work in shaping major policy initiatives in the commonwealth, many of which have protected the most vulnerable among us."

Senator Spilka, who serves as the chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means -- the committee that oversees the budget and finances of the commonwealth -- also chairs the Biotech Legislative Caucus and the Tech Hub Caucus. Senator Spilka's legislative accomplishments include efforts in a broad range of areas, including economic development, jobs creation, education, juvenile justice, and services for the elderly and disabled communities.

Senator Spilka was first elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in the fall of 2001, where she served three years before her election to the state Senate in January 2005. In the Senate she has served as the Chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities; the Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies; and the Majority Whip.

Prior to becoming a legislator, Senator Spilka was in private practice as an arbitrator and mediator, specializing in labor and employment law and community and court mediation. In addition, she has been a facilitator and fact finder in disputes in the public and private sectors, as well as a social worker and trainer of adult mediation and school-based peer mediation programs, collaborative-based collective bargaining and conflict resolution strategies.

Senator Spilka is a graduate of Northeastern University School of Law School and holds a B.S. from Cornell University.

The Annual Dinner will include a keynote address by CNN senior analyst and best-selling author Jeffrey Toobin, the presentation of the 2017 MBA Gold Medal Award to Robert J. Muldoon Jr., the 2017 Access to Justice Awards, the Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. Scholarship and more.

About the Annual Dinner:

The Annual Dinner will include a keynote address by CNN senior analyst and best-selling author Jeffrey Toobin, the presentation of the 2017 MBA Gold Medal Award to Robert J. Muldoon Jr., the 2017 Access to Justice Awards, the Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. Scholarship and more.

Consider attending this annual event as a sponsor. Sponsorship opportunities include:

  • Champions of Justice ($10,000)
    Up to two tables for 10, full page ad in dinner program, firm name/logo projected at the dinner, sponsorship level recognition in Lawyers Journal and displayed on MBA website, additional prominent recognition at the dinner
  • Platinum Sponsor ($5,000)
    Table for 10, full page ad in dinner program, firm name/logo projected at the dinner, sponsorship level recognition in Lawyers Journal and displayed on MBA website
  • Gold Sponsor ($3,500)
    Table for 10, 1/2 page ad in dinner program, firm name/logo projected at the dinner, sponsorship level recognition in Lawyers Journal and displayed on MBA website
  • Silver Sponsor ($2,500)
    Table for 10, 1/4 page ad in dinner program, firm name/logo projected at the dinner

Click here for a printable PDF outlining the above sponsorship opportunities. For additional information call (617) 338-0530.