Attorneys from Japan, labor arbitrators from Cambodia and bar presidents from across the country are making visits to the Massachusetts Bar Association to learn about the law and professional development from our leaders.
“We feel very honored to have these opportunities to share our experience and expertise with our legal colleagues from around the country and around the world,” Executive Director Marilyn J. Wellington said.
One dozen arbitrators from Cambodia will attend a round table discussion on labor arbitration practices in the United States and Cambodia with MBA labor and employment practitioners at 11 a.m. on Sept. 19 at the DCU Center in Worcester. The group will stay for lunch and will join the 2 p.m. House of Delegates meeting.
The roundtable came to life after MBA Past President Kay Hodge, an employment lawyer and partner at the Boston law firm of Stoneham, Chandler and Miller, went to Cambodia with a group of lawyers last year to meet with labor arbitrators. Cambodia’s labor troubles, including child labor, antiunion activity and failure to enforce labor laws, are well publicized.
The Cambodian delegation’s upcoming visit follows a summer meeting between Tokyo bar leaders and those from the MBA.
The MBA hosted 10 high-ranking members of the Tokyo Bar Association at its 20 West St. headquarters on Aug. 31. Officers gave an overview of the MBA following a luncheon. Wellington followed with a presentation on the MBA’s CLE programs.
“They’re looking to us to give them some ideas on how to expand and grow,” Wellington said, adding that the visitors wanted to learn ways to increase professional development and offer more programs and services.
The Tokyo attorneys reached out to immediate Past President Mark D Mason at a luncheon and discussion on the last day of his presidency. “It’s a wonderful send-off for his term,” Wellington said.
On Sept. 28 and 29, the MBA will again open the doors of its 20 West St. headquarters, this time to the Nation Council of Bar Presidents. Coincidentally, Hodge is the incoming president. She will lead the group’s board meeting on Sept. 28. The MBA will host a dinner for the council on Sept. 29. Roughly 40 people are expected to attend.