As the summer heats up, the MBA is presenting the cool basics via 10 Continuing Legal Education programs in July and August. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a new lawyer, these programs provide a framework for the development or expansion of your practice. (Note, all courses are at the MBA Boston office, 20 West St.) unless otherwise noted.
In July, we will offer:
Preparing to File a Lawsuit on Tuesday, July 15, from 4-7 p.m., will cover the mechanics of preparing to file a lawsuit as well as the background investigation work before filing suit; ethical issues; information needed for prejudgment relief; relevant Massachusetts rules and statutes; client relations and control; and medical malpractice pre-suit procedures.
Tips for Drafting, Filing and Arguing Motions and Memoranda of Law on Thursday, July 17, from 4-7 p.m., will cover the requirements of Massachusetts state and federal practice, the mechanics of drafting, filing and arguing motions and supporting memoranda of law effectively. Our expert panel will give advice on pre-motion requirements, requirements for filing motions in Massachusetts and federal court, tips for effective oral advocacy and much more
District Court Survival Guide on Tuesday, July 22, from 4-7 p.m., will educate practitioners on the fundamentals of litigation in the state district courts of Massachusetts. Our expert panel will provide invaluable information on how to prepare for civil cases, handle civil motions, appeal adverse judgments, apply for a 209A order, prosecuting a charge of violating a 209A order and defending criminal cases from arraignment through trial.
Techniques and Strategies for Effective Legal Writing on Tuesday, July 29 from 4-9 p.m., will teach you tips to apply immediately to improve your letters, briefs, motions and other written documents. Techniques covered will help you handle case law in written documents, balance brevity and completeness, make it easy for the reader to understand your point and determine what judges are looking for to include it in your documents.
The basics continue with the August line-up of CLE courses
Handling Depositions with Confidence on Tuesday, Aug. 5 from 4-7 p.m., is a unique opportunity for attorneys with little or no experience in taking depositions to learn how to handle specific issues that may arise when preparing for, taking or defending a deposition.
The Basics of Developing and Estate Plan on Wednesday, Aug. 6 from 4-7 p.m., will give practical pointers to help develop an estate plan, covering, among other issues, working with a client to obtain essential information; planning and drafting a comprehensive estate plan; incorporating non-probate assets; highlighting the key documents and essential components of each; ensuring the proper execution of documents and follow-up; and identifying ethical issues and conflicts of interest.
Streetwise: A Beginner's Guide to Handling Motor Vehicle Accident Cases on Tuesday, Aug. 12 from 4-7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, Taunton, will steer you in the right direction by providing the most practical and up-to date information on auto law, trial techniques in Massachusetts with a balance between the plaintiff and defense perspective. Our expert panel will provide practical tips on how to analyze and prepare a case for trial, effectively present a case to the jury, handle common issues that arise during trial, interpret the uninsured and underinsured provisions in the standard Massachusetts automobile policy, as well as standard PIP coverage and claims, when and how to use an accident reconstructionist, assessing and valuing injuries and when and how to select mediation/arbitration.
The Basics of Insurance Policies on Wednesday, Aug. 13 from 4-7 p.m., will keep you current in the latest developments in the insurance industry, and give you the basic understanding of insurance policies and handling insurance-related claims. Our panel will discuss the Massachusetts personal and commercial auto insurance policies, general liability and comprehensive general liability policies, liability coverage for insured's negligence, professional liability, including lawyers' malpractice coverage, insurance policies and ERISA and Chapter 93A claims arising under insurance policies.
Elder Law Basics on Thursday, Aug. 14 from 4-7 p.m., provides an introduction to the basics of long-term care and estate planning strategies for the elderly and disabled. Our panel of experts will explain the basic concepts you will need to know, such as, basic rules of Medicaid eligibility, strategies to preserve assets through annuities, trusts and transfers, protecting the primary residence from Medicaid liens, long-term insurance and Medicaid benefits and alternative long-term care and housing options through geriatric care management counseling.
How to Handle a Residential Real Estate Closing will be held at Western New England College School of Law in Springfield in August. Date to be finalized shortly.