Boston Bar Association

Join us for the launch of Gamechangers: Celebrating Living Legacies of Women in the Law on April 17 at Aloft Hotel. This inspiring event will feature a panel of women from across generations and legal sectors discussing the evolution of the profession and their place within it, career advancement, mentorship, work-life balance, and more. Hear from: - Sahar Basaria - Laurie Bishop - Regina M. Pisa - Paige Scott Reed - Suma V. Nair, moderator Register now: https://lnkd.in/e9rC6ipZ And thank you to our event Steering Committee for organizing this important panel: - Suma Nair, Chair - Amy Burkart - Maria Durant - Miranda Hooker - Shiva Karimi - Ingrid Martin - Jameel Moore - Mandy Petrillo - Carla Reeves - Manleen Singh - Emily Sy

No matter the stage of your career, as a student, seasoned practitioner, leader, or even a Supreme Court advocate, anyone can experience imposter syndrome. Join us on Tuesday, February 25 at 5:30pm for a dynamic panel discussion that explores Imposter Syndrome from multiple perspectives. Our diverse group of speakers, featuring Daniel Park, Mark Fleming, Sonia Sujanani, and Tasha Bahal, will share personal experiences, professional insights, and practical strategies for recognizing and overcoming feelings of fraudulence, self-doubt, and the fear of being “found out.” This conversation will shed light on how imposter syndrome manifests in different environments and offer empowering tools to help you embrace your achievements and unlock your full potential. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear diverse voices on their experiences with imposter syndrome how to break free from the self-imposed barriers holding you back. https://lnkd.in/eRKgbgxZ

A statement on recent events, from BBA President Matt McTygue: Over the past three weeks, our 236-year-old constitutional system of governance has strained under the weight of executive orders and directives from the new Administration, many of which undermine—if not violate—norms, laws, and the Constitution: - Acts that circumvent Congress’s constitutional authority to legislate and appropriate, including an attempt to withhold funds allocated in the budget process and to refuse to enforce or abide by previously enacted laws. - An executive order that purports to rewrite the Constitution through what a federal judge has already deemed a blatant misreading of the Fourteenth Amendment’s guarantee of birthright citizenship. - The removal of 17 inspectors general at a variety of federal agencies, in apparent contravention of the statute governing them, thereby removing independent watchdogs overseeing the conduct of government. This list is not comprehensive. It grows each day, disrupting the lives and well-being of countless people in Massachusetts, our country and around the globe. The ongoing closures of institutions and summary removal of government officials, including at the DOJ, demonstrate a lack of regard for, if not outright hostility to, the rules and processes that we as lawyers view as integral to the rule of law and the health of our constitutional democracy. Many of these actions implicate the checks and balances that keep government, its separate branches, and their leaders accountable to the public and each other. When we took our oath to become lawyers, each of us swore to support and defend the Constitutions of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and of the United States. That oath is not a mere formality; it is the foundation of our profession. Today, the rule of law itself is in peril and as members of the legal community, it is our duty to defend it. It's essential for us to take action—whether it's through supporting our legal community or committing to the small, everyday steps that make a difference. As an organization, we stand ready to help you make an impact and defend the values we hold dear. - Matthew McTygue, BBA President

John D. Colucci was recently named Managing Director of BBA Sponsor Firm McLane Middleton, the first Massachusetts-based Managing Director in the firm’s 105-year history. We caught up with John to learn more about his new role, his advice to new lawyers in Boston, and more. Check out the full interview below: https://lnkd.in/dVk3NZ9M

The Boston Bar Association is deeply saddened by the loss of Fletcher Wiley. “Flash” touched countless lives throughout the Commonwealth and the country, and his legacy of service will continue to serve as a beacon to us all. Deeply passionate about his work, Flash was a mentor to many and a friend to even more, a titan in the legal community and the city of Boston, and a trailblazer who opened doors for the next generation of Boston leaders. He will be dearly missed. 

On Wednesday, the BBA hosted its first-ever Public Interest & Legal Services Career Fair, bringing together more than 100 law students from our partner law schools with 21 government agencies, legal services organizations, and non-profits dedicated to advancing justice and public interest law. The event is part of the BBA's broader mission to support aspiring lawyers, strengthen the profession and serve our community. Thanks to funding from the Boston Bar Foundation, the BBA provides a range of professional development, leadership training, and career-building programs designed to support law students, and works closely with the legal services organizations that receive grants from the BBF to provide volunteers, conduct pro bono trainings and connect with law firms. We extend our sincere gratitude to our legal services and government partner organizations, students, and law school sponsors who made this event a success. By investing in the next generation of public interest lawyers, we strengthen the legal profession and ensure that vital legal services continue to reach those who need them most. Boston College Law School Boston University School of Law New England Law | Boston Northeastern University School of Law Suffolk University Law School UMass Law

Attention New Lawyers: Join us for an open meeting of the New Lawyer Executive Steering Committee on Zoom next week on Thursday, Feb. 13! Whether you're passionate about educational and networking programs for new attorneys or eager to expand your connections with current legal professionals, this is the space for you. Everyone is welcome to meet members of the New Lawyers Network Committee and learn how you can get involved! Register below to receive a Zoom link for the meeting. https://lnkd.in/etHxnH2C

The Committee for Public Counsel Services has announced the opening of nominations for the CPCS 2025 Awards. These awards aim to recognize outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of public defense and legal advocacy. If you know of someone deserving of recognition for their dedication, innovation, and impact in the field of public defense, you're encouraged to submit a nomination by 5pm on March 3. You can do so online via the link below: https://lnkd.in/eFYCzxJD

We had a great time last night hosting some of the Commonwealth's newest lawyers at our Winter Welcome! Thank you to New Lawyers Network Co-Chairs Madison Bader Rosen and Kellen Safreed as well as BBA Treasurer Christopher Escobedo Hart for sharing some remarks, and to all who joined!

Mass torts are on the rise, and understanding the unique procedures employed in multi-district litigation (MDLs) is critical for success, whether you are a plaintiff’s attorney or representing a defendant. Join us on Wednesday, Jan. 29 via Zoom for a one-hour webinar featuring speakers Katie Woliver Insogna and Kelsey Tavares from DLA Piper providing all the basics on MDL – from what to expect at the beginning, to how to navigate entering an established litigation. https://lnkd.in/eSb8dDAp