At the end of 2022, one of our panelists predicted that 2023 would be the year of the anti-SLAPP (strategic lawsuits against public participation) statute for litigators in Massachusetts. The first quarter of 2023 has brought several orders from the Superior Court and at least two opinions from the Appeals Court on applying the standard for dismissal under c. 231 §59H.
It is clear that lawyers and courts in the commonwealth continue to struggle with applying the framework as the Legislature intended. The Supreme Judicial Court has decided to hear arguments on the issue in Columbia Plaza Associates v. Northeastern University.
A panel of experienced attorneys will address:
- How to identify and analyze viable special motions to dismiss in the context of the current burden-shifting anti-SLAPP framework
- Whether, and under what circumstances, abuse of process claims may still be brought in light of the statute
Associate Justice of the Superior Court Debra Squires-Lee will also provide a helpful perspective from the bench on anti-SLAPP special motions to dismiss.
This program is a must for litigators so that they will be able to identify whether the anti-SLAPP statute applies to a given set of facts.
Is The Massachusetts Anti-SLAPP Statute Working As Intended?
Tuesday, May 23, 4-6 p.m.
MBA, 20 West St., Boston
Click here to register.
This program will be offered both in person and virtually using Zoom. To attend virtually, registration is required by 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 23, to participate in the program. After you register with the MBA, please look for an email from MassBar Education with the Webinar ID and password. The email will be sent prior to the program.