Law of Wine
On December 1, 2011 the Massachusetts Chapter of the FBA held the first of what it hopes will be an annual event, discussing the "Law of Wine." Immediate Past President Chris Sullivan and Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P. hosted the event, moderated by District Court Judge Richard Stearns (a native of California, who has extensive knowledge of the history of West Coast's wine industry), with the assistance of Top of the Hub Sommelier Matt Ryan. Participants learned about the relationship between "new world" and "old world" vines; the role that immigration and, later, the railroad industry had on the creation of American wineries; and the government's efforts to regulate it. We also enjoyed delicious white and red wines, and mastered the fine art of swirling and sipping!
Breakfast with Judge Casper
In
November 2011, the FBA hosted a breakfast with our newest District Court Judge, Denise Casper, who was appointed earlier this year. Although she has not been on the bench long, Judge Casper shared some observations that lawyers who appear before her would do well to consider. Judge Casper views respecting the jury, and in particular, being mindful of the best use of their time, to be of paramount importance. Therefore, she makes herself available early on trial days, and is on the bench at 8:45 to address any issues before the jury is seated. She sees jury voir dire as useful in identifying areas of bias or prejudice, but is disinclined to conduct extensive juror questioning, except in unusual or complex matters. At the Rule 16 conference, she will schedule the case through dispositive motions, and will hold an additional conference at the close of discovery (rather than setting a trial date from the outset). Motions for partial summary judgment that may narrow the issues for trial are welcome, but Judge Casper expects lawyers to comply with the letter and the spirit of Local Rule 7.1, and make meaningful attempts to resolve disputes without unnecessarily relying on the court to do so.
Judge Casper is tasked with organizing the Judges Conference that will be held on
October 18-19, 2012. We look forward to working with her to make this Conference a success for both bench and bar.
The Massachusetts Chapter's Younger Lawyers' Division hosted a successful interviewing skills workshop for law students on
September 7, 2011. With gracious support from the Office of Career Services at Northeastern University's School of Law, the YLD sponsored a panel discussion that offered students practical insights into what legal employers are seeking, particularly in the current market. Past chapter president
Chris Kenney and past YLD chair
Nicole Murati Ferrer sat on the panel, and were joined by Windy Rosebush Catino of Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP. Assistant Dean Randi Friedman moderated. Numerous additional students joined the discussion as their classes let out, leading to a packed room at the end of the panel.
Seventeen students were then offered a chance to conduct a practice interview with FBA members and other volunteers, including
Elizabeth Bostwick, incoming YLD Secretary
Michele Frangella, incoming FBA Chair
Evan Ouellette, current Chapter President
Chris Sullivan, and incoming YLD Treasurer
Erica Tennyson. Current YLD Treasurer
Andrew Kepple coordinated the volunteer effort, and was pleased with the turnout. YLD Chair
Alex Henlin expressed his appreciation: "The Massachusetts chapter has really gone out of its way to support the YLD in this effort. We're grateful that we could offer this program, give back to the legal community, and introduce the FBA to current law students in such a positive manner."
Roughly 50 students joined a reception that the YLD hosted after the event. Northeastern has expressed its deep gratitude for the program, and looks forward to partnering with the FBA for future events.
On
January 13, 2011 the Massachusetts Chapter's Young Lawyers Division and the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys presented a seminar
and discussion entitled "The Art of Storytelling - Practical Advice on Opening Statements and Closing Arguments in Federal Court." The seminar featured Magistrate Judges Marianne B. Bowler and Timothy S. Hillman, Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Splaine Rollins and Attorney Joseph Oteri at the Moakely Courthouse.
On
January 12, 2011, Judge Douglas P. Woodlock hosted a discussion concerning the right of a criminal defendant to a speedy trial, including issues that arise under the Speedy Trial Act of 1974. This session was held at 8 AM at the Judges Dining Room (behind the Cafe).