Dates & Times
(Day 1): Tuesday, September 19, 2023 – 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. ET
(Day 2): Tuesday, October 3, 2023 – 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. ET
(Day 3): Tuesday, October 17, 2023 – 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. ET
(Day 4): Tuesday, October 24, 2023 – 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. ET
(Day 5): Tuesday, November 28, 2023 – 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. ET
(Day 4): Tuesday, December 5, 2023 – 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. ET
Webinar Series Fee: $150 to attend all six sessions.
Online Only
Cosponsored with the Greater Boston Family Law American Inn of Court
How to Be a Better Family Law Attorney from A to Z For Beginner and Newer Attorneys
Fall 2023
Join family law attorney Matthew Barach, (principal of Barach Law Group LLC and author of the American Bar Association’s title The Family Law Guide to Appellate Practice) and special guests (including family law judges) on a six-part journey to become an even better advocate for your clients. A six-part course designed for new and novice family law attorneys to navigate the maze of family law in the Commonwealth. Topics to include the decision to practice family law, the divorce process, temporary orders, drafting, pre-trials, the trial itself and the aftermath. Learn from seasoned family law specialists to become a more effective and experienced advocate for your clients. Presented in six parts, in one-hour sessions, from September to November.
Faculty (will vary for each session)
Hon. Brian Dunn, Massachusetts Probate and Family Court
Hon. Susan Ricci, Massachusetts Probate and Family Court (ret.)
Matthew Barach, Esq., Barach Law Group LLC (host and moderator)
Stephanie Goldenhersh, Esq., Harvard Legal Aid Bureau
Maureen McBrien, Esq., Brick, Jones, McBrien & Hickey, LLP
Alessandra Petruccelli, Esq., Law Office of Alessandra Petruccelli
Lee Sanderson, CPA, ABV, CFF, CVA, MST, Valuation Forensics, LLC
Karen Stuntz, Esq., McEvoy & Stuntz LLP
Gary Todd, Esq., Todd & Weld LLP
And more!
SO, YOU WANT TO BE A DIVORCE LAWYER? (Day 1)
What this six-part course will cover. An introduction to family law and how to be an effective family law advocate from “A-Z” and spots in between. Topics in Part I to include: Making the decision to practice family law. What to think about? Myths and methodology. Ethical considerations and clients.
THE DIVORCE AND FAMILY LAW PROCESS: DRAFTNG DIVORCE COMPLAINTS, MODIFICATIONS, CONTEMPTS AND ANSWERS (Day 2)
An overview of the family law process and the drafting it entails from the initial divorce complaint, the answer to the drafting and filing of responsive pleadings. The sessions will also cover drafting modifications and complaints for contempt. Responsive pleadings to both items will also be covered.
FROM TEMPORARY ORDERS TO PRE-TRIALS: DRAFTING, ARGUMENT AND CONSIDERATIONS (Day 3)
What are temporary orders in divorce? Why are they so important to the process? How do we ensure temporary orders are entered for our clients? How do we defend clients from the imposition of temporary orders?
Why the pre-trial is such a key event? How to use the pre-trial to obtain a favorable result and save our clients’ money. How to draft an effective pre-trial memorandum.
SEPARATION AGREEMENTS, SETTLEMENTS AND THE PATHWAYS TO GETTING THE JOB DONE (Day 4)
Most cases will end with the separation agreement or an agreement for judgment. This session will cover the drafting of effective separation agreements and also agreements for judgments in modification and contempt actions. It will then cover the various pathways to settlement. Is your case ripe for mediation? What about conciliation? Methods of alternative ways to “get the job done” will be discussed.
TRIALS AND THE AFTERMATH (Day 5)
Topics to be covered will include:
- What to know about trials
- The importance of the pre-trial order
- How to prepare for trial
- How to present evidence for divorce, modifications and contempt proceedings
- The use of experts and agreed upon facts
- The drafting and importance of findings of fact and the proposed judgment
- What to do when you receive the judgment
- Post-trial motions and the possibility of appeal will also be covered
A VIEW FROM THE FAMILY LAW BENCH (Day 6)
Join a panel of family law judges for a discussion on the view from the bench. Learn how to be a better and more effective advocate in the courtroom from the judges.
Video recordings will be sent for all six programs to all who are registered.
Online registration is encouraged. For assistance, questions on group discounts, accommodations requests, special billing, program content, out-of-state CLE credits, and general CLE information contact Michael Saporito by email at msaporito@socialaw.com . Registrations accepted in order of receipt. Registration fees are non-refundable. Most Social Law Library CLE events are recorded. The recording is available by digital download, generally within a week after the program date. People registered for the program will receive the video recording and materials. CLE credit, when applicable, is only granted when the live webinar is attended.