Massachusetts Bar Association members can expect to see a
different Lawyers Journal in 2016 as the MBA's print
newspaper switches to a bi-monthly publishing schedule, starting in
January.
The reduction to six print issues per year will coincide with
editorial enhancements to the newspaper, including several new
practical and personal components. Over the next few issues,
readers can expect to see expanded profiles, new columns and a
greater focus on sharing individual member news from around the
commonwealth. The MBA's weekly online eJournal, published
at www.MassBar.org and emailed to members each Thursday, will
continue as the MBA's main outlet for timely news and
announcements.
"Today most attorneys get information instantly and online, but
we still see real value in having greatly expanded coverage of the
MBA's news, events and benefits delivered regularly to our members'
doors," said Martin W. Healy, the MBA's chief legal counsel and
chief operating officer. "I fully believe the changes to
Lawyers Journal will complement our online
eJournal, My Bar Access and social media platforms and
improve our overall bar communications efforts."
One of the most notable changes will be the addition of the
MassBar Bulletin, a new section of Lawyers Journal, which
will feature member-submitted news, announcements and photos -
similar to those often found in school alumni publications.
Inspired by MBA President Robert W. Harnais, the MassBar Bulletin
will give members from all corners of the commonwealth a platform
to share their latest professional and personal updates.
"The MBA is the largest statewide community of lawyers, but
sometimes we miss the 'community' part when we're working in our
day-to-day silos. Let's change that." said Harnais. "Tell us what
you're doing. The MassBar Bulletin and other new Lawyers
Journal features will make it easier to meet your neighbors -
those across the state, as well those next door - and hopefully
infuse some more congeniality into our profession. I also invite
you to share your ideas, your views on the profession and how the
MBA can assist you in the practice of law."
Lawyers Journal will continue to provide regular
coverage of both legal and bar news, MBA benefits and events. Here
are highlights from some of the new enhancements that readers can
expect in 2016:
MassBar Bulletin: member-submitted
announcements
Organized by county, the new section will allow MBA members to
submit professional updates, including new jobs, recent
accomplishments or awards, and more. Members can also share
personal news and photos, such as weddings, birth announcements and
outside-of-work accomplishments. Members can send updates of 50
words or less. Please include your name,
firm, town (and county).
While the primary focus of the MassBar Bulletin will be
individual announcements, MBA Honor Roll Firms (firms of five or
more members with 100 percent of their attorneys enrolled in the
MBA) will also have the unique opportunity to submit firm news and
announcements. Honor Roll Firm announcements can feature the firm's
logo and a description of 100 words or less.
Section Review and practice alerts
Section Review articles from each of the MBA's 18 sections and
the Young Lawyer Division will continue to be published in
Lawyers Journal. The newspaper will also be adding more
news and practice-related alerts covering recent developments and
hot topics.
Expanded profiles
Lawyers Journal will continue to run member spotlights,
but readers can also expect to see more coverage and profiles of
MBA Community Service Award honorees, judges and other influential
people in the legal community. In addition, the newspaper will
include more "insider" profiles with individuals who can offer
useful information about navigating courts and agencies around the
commonwealth.
Practical columns
In addition to the continuing Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers
column, Lawyers Journal will be expanding its "For
Your Practice" section. Readers can expect to see columns covering
technology, business development and even lifestyle.
Dedicated law student section
A section of Lawyers Journal will be dedicated to news
and information for law student members, including calendar
highlights of events of particular interest to law students.