Social Law Library

Estate and trust litigation arise when there is a dispute over the distribution of a deceased person's assets. These disputes commonly occur for several reasons when the decedent's intentions are frustrated by intervening acts, or do not align with their formal estate plan as drafted, or are unable to be carried out due to existing disposition of assets on death.

Learn how to effectively leverage podcasting and video to supercharge your SEO (search engine optimization) strategy, even in the age of AI.

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.

Join family law attorney Matthew Barach, (principal of Barach Law Group LLC and author of the American Bar Association’s The Family Law Guide to Appellate Practice) and special guests (including family law judges) to become a confident family court advocate for your clients.

Criminal appellate CLEs return in 2024 with an expanded two-day program and new All-Star faculty! Day 1 will address how to preserve and raise issues for appeal in criminal cases. Day 2 will address how to understand and apply the layered standards of review on appeal in criminal cases. If you try or appeal criminal cases, this course is for you!

Criminal appellate CLEs return in 2024 with an expanded two-day program and new All-Star faculty! Day 1 will address how to preserve and raise issues for appeal in criminal cases. Day 2 will address how to understand and apply the layered standards of review on appeal in criminal cases. If you try or appeal criminal cases, this course is for you!

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.

Expansion, Modification, and Limitation of Powers or Guardianships & Conservatorships Authority. Keynote Speaker - Chief Justice John Casey, Probate and Family Court

DAY 1 - Expansion, Modification, and Limitation of Powers or Guardianships & Conservatorships Authority and DAY 2 - Restoration of Rights, Limited Guardianships and Alternatives to Guardianship

Indemnification, in the simplest terms, is a concept whereby one party contracts, or is otherwise required under the law, to be financially responsible for certain risks of another. Indemnification clauses are a significant part of risk transfer and management in many industries, including construction.

Criminal appellate CLEs return in 2024 with an expanded two-day program and new All-Star faculty! Day 1 will address how to preserve and raise issues for appeal in criminal cases. Day 2 will address how to understand and apply the layered standards of review on appeal in criminal cases. If you try or appeal criminal cases, this course is for you!

When does an insurer arguably act in bad faith? What are the common scenarios in which policyholders or third-party claimants should consider asserting a claim for bad faith against an insurer?

Restoration of Rights, Limited Guardianships and Alternatives to Guardianship. Keynote Speaker - Evelyn Patsos, Esq., Deputy Legal Counsel/EJIG Project Director, Probate and Family Court

Date & Time: Thursday, October 24, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. ET Webinar Fee: $65 This program is online only and will be recorded. Anyone who registers will receive a link to the video recordings for any session they are registered for. CPCS approved for 2.0 hours of credit for  Criminal Defense Trial, Adult Post-Conviction, YAD Trial, and YAD Appeals. To receive credits attendees must be logged on during the program for a minimum of 80% of the program time. Certificates will be emailed to all attendees who were logged onto the program for at least 80% of the live program time. Faculty Hon. Beverly Cannone, RAJ, Norfolk Superior Court Hon. Michael Doolin, Suffolk Superior Court Hon. Shelby Smith, First Justice Plymouth District Court Hon. Asha White, First Justice Woburn District Court Kate Frame, Esq., The Law Offices of Kate Frame, Boston  Claudia Lagos, Esq., Scully & Lagos, Boston Kate MacDougall, ADA, Chief, Family Crimes and Sexual Assault Unit, Essex County DA’s office Rita Muse, ADA Suffolk County DA’s office Silvia Rudman, ADA Bristol County DA’s office Craig Tavares, Attorney in Charge CPCS Brockton   Join our expert panel to learn about important issues in sexual assault cases. Topics will include: Pre-trial investigation and motions, including Rule 17 First complaint Special issues with child witnesses Experts Evidentiary issues     Online registration is encouraged. For assistance, questions on group discounts, accommodations requests, special billing, program content, out-of-state CLE credits, and general contact CLE Coordinator, 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 and recordings are sent to all who are registered. The recording is available by digital download, generally within a week after the program date. CLE credit, when applicable, is only granted when the live webinar is attended.   

A typical day brings a variety of stressors. These stressors hijack our thinking, causing doubt, angst, and fear. In this lunch-hour session, we will explore what triggers these emotions and explore techniques for mastering them and regaining control of our minds.

Double dipping is a concept that addresses double-counting marital property as both an asset, and as a source of income from which to pay support. As noted in Wasson v. Wasson (81 Mass. App. Ct. 574), double dipping “is not easily defined, and whether it is improper in a particular case must be carefully assessed.”

These days many of us are working remotely, so join us for a webinar to learn how to access important legal information online. You can search primary law for all 50 States and Federal on Fastcase and use their Authority Check feature to make sure that a case is still good law.

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?

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.

Our Probate Guardianship statutory scheme is implicated when a child of divorce -- who has special needs and disabilities and who cannot make or communicate decisions -- turns 18. Reaching this age introduces unique complexities and considerations, particularly where guardianships and conservatorships may likely last in perpetuity for a young adult with special needs.

Dr. Shawn Healy will discuss the Pillars of Well-Being, offering practical strategies for mental health, stress management, professional success, and happiness.

The Flaschner Judicial Institute presented this same program to the bench. Hon. Gregory I. Massing, Appeals Court, Editor-in-Chief, Massachusetts Guide to Evidence. Elizabeth N. Mulvey, Esq., Libby Hoopes Brooks & Mulvey, P.C., Editor, Massachusetts Guide to Evidence.

The Flaschner Judicial Institute presented this same program to the bench. Hon. Gregory I. Massing, Appeals Court, Editor-in-Chief, Massachusetts Guide to Evidence. Elizabeth N. Mulvey, Esq., Libby Hoopes Brooks & Mulvey, P.C., Editor, Massachusetts Guide to Evidence. SPECIAL BOOK OFFER.

Legislative history is a critically important advocacy tool in Federal Court when statutory language is ambiguous and begs for clarification. Federal judges invite and apply the use of legislative history to avoid incongruous results, illuminate drafting errors, determine specialized meanings, or choose reasonable interpretations of politically controversial statutes.

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.

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.