How to Be a Better Family Law Attorney from A to Z : A Six-Part Masterclass Series for New and Novice Practitioners - Fall 2026 | September – December
- Online Only (All sessions recorded; individual links sent to registrants)
Confidence in the courtroom is built on procedural mastery, ethical clarity, and practical strategy. Whether you are launching a family law practice, transitioning into the field, or looking to sharpen your litigation skills, this series is designed to elevate your advocacy.
Hosted by esteemed family law attorney and appellate advocate Matthew Barach, Esq., this comprehensive six-part series brings together veteran family law advocates, forensic experts, and Massachusetts Probate and Family Court judges. This course is designed primarily for both new and novice family law attorneys and will help you become a more effective family law advocate for your clients in the family law courts.
Over six fast-paced sessions, you will learn the practical, courtroom-tested tips and judicial insights needed to protect your clients' interests and confidently navigate every phase of a domestic relations case.
Topics include: the decision to practice family law, finding your motivation, divorce lawyer myths, the divorce process including temporary orders, drafting considerations, the importance of the pre-trial event, alternatives to a trial, the trial itself and the aftermath of a case.
Presented in six parts, in one-hour sessions (the final session is a judicial panel of 90 minutes) from September to December.
Bonus Resource: All series registrants will receive an edited digital copy of the highly acclaimed 2025 Family Law Series transcript, providing you with an immediate library of practical guidance, templates, and reference materials.
"Very helpful for a new (practicing for 2 years) family law attorney. Especially as it relates to the conversation regarding experts/preparing experts for trial. I have had minimal experience in this regard, so any trainings I can get my hands on/experience I can get is helpful."
"These are excellent presentations."
"I thought all the panel attorneys were great. I really got a lot out of it."
Webinar Series Pricing
$35 per webinar
$150 for the series of six webinars – save $60
Making the decision to practice family law. Divorce lawyer myths. What should you consider? Finding your (motivation) why. How you should practice. Ethical considerations, dealing with other “lawyers” and all types of clients in-between in today’s world.
Faculty
- Hon. Laurel A. Barraco, Probate and Family Court
- Maureen McBrien, Esq., Brick, Jones, McBrien & Hickey, LLP
- Jennifer Salerno, Esq., Salerno & Demoga
- Francesca Blazina, Esq., Barach Law Group, LLC
An overview of the family law process including the drafting from a divorce complaint to an answer and other responsive pleadings. The sessions will also cover drafting modifications and complaints for contempt. What do judges examine in your initial filings? Traps to avoid and solutions.
Faculty
- Hon. Lee Peterson, Probate and Family Court
- Jared Spinelli, Esq., Rubin & Rudman
What are temporary orders? Why are they so important to the process? Verified or unverified pleadings? Do we always need temporary orders? Traps for the unwise. How do judges view temporary orders? What does it mean to “take under advisement?” What is the pretrial? Why is the pre-trial a “key event?” How to use the pre-trial memorandum to frame your case? What do judges look for in your pre-trial memorandum? How to obtain a favorable result and save our clients’ money.
Faculty
- Hon. Michael Anderson, Probate and Family Court
- Hon. Christine Anthony (Ret.), Probate and Family Court
- Gary Todd, Esq., Todd & Weld, LLP
- Hon. Jennifer Bingham, Probate and Family Court
- Tannaz Saponaro, Esq., Saponaro Law Offices PLLC
What is the purpose of a trial? Why do some cases need to be tried? How to prepare for the trial. How to present evidence for divorce, modifications and contempt proceedings. The use of experts and agreed upon facts. The drafting and critical 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.
Faculty
- Hon. Susan Ricci (Ret.), Probate and Family Court
- Steven Gurdin, Esq. Fitch Law Partners
- Lee Sanderson, CPA, ABV, CFF, CVA, MST – Valuation Forensics, LLC
Online registration is encouraged. For assistance with group registrations, disability accommodations, or out-of-state CLE credits, please contact CLE Coordinator Michael Saporito at [email protected].
Note on Recordings: Most Social Law Library CLE events are recorded. All registrants will receive a digital download link, typically within one week of the program. To ensure you receive the video link, please register in advance.
Please note: CLE credit (and/or certificates) are only granted to those who attend at least 80% of the live webinars. A separate certificate will be emailed for each day.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the Social Law Library.