Social Law Library

A focused overview of animal law in Massachusetts, highlighting how attorneys and courts address complex legal issues involving animals across civil, criminal, housing, probate, family, municipal, and legislative contexts. Panelists will explore both transactional tools—such as pet trusts, protective orders, and divorce agreements—and adversarial proceedings, including pet custody disputes, dangerous dog hearings, housing court challenges, and animal cruelty cases.

Chapter 93A is complex and often confusing. This two-hour program will not only cover the statutory framework, leading cases, the hottest new cases, but the judges will also provide insightful practice tips and pointers addressing issues that frequently arise during the course of litigation.

Artificial Intelligence is transforming search engines, marketing, and client acquisition. But how can lawyers, law librarians, and legal professionals navigate the hype versus the reality?

Divorce involving older individuals — those over 68 years of age — presents unique challenges. Issues of support, retirement, business succession planning, health, capacity, trust and estate planning, gifting and future long-term care all become relevant issues in the divorce and have game-changing legal significance. This program provides strategies for representation of older individuals, and concerns that are unique to this group.

Dates & Times:  Day 1 – Wednesday, October 8, 2025 – 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET  Day 2 – Tuesday, October 14, 2025 – 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET  Webinar Fee: $100 - to attend BOTH DAYS These programs are online only and will be recorded. All who register will receive a link to the video recording. DAY 1 - Divorce of Aging Individuals: Trusts & Estates, Fiduciaries and Long-Term Care: Divorce involving older individuals — those over 68 years of age — presents unique challenges. Issues of support, retirement, business succession planning, health, capacity, trust and estate planning, gifting and future long-term care all become relevant issues in the divorce and have game-changing legal significance. This program provides strategies for representation of older individuals, and concerns that are unique to this group. Among the highly critical topics discussed will be the Alimony Reform Act’s treatment of individuals over 68 years of age, the impact and accommodation of diminishing capacity, Medicaid/MassHealth planning, gifting and trusts. This program will also discuss relevant caselaw and statutory law regarding divorce, inheritance, intestacy, spousal election, death during the pendency of a divorce, MassHealth Planning as part of the divorce process to protect a community spouse from impoverishment, as well as fiduciary laws such as conservatorship, guardianship and the limits of a Chapter 208 Section 15 guardian. Faculty Hon. Lee Peterson, Probate & Family Court Lisa Cukier, Esq., Rubin & Rudman LLP Jessica Demmerly, Esq., Rubin & Rudman LLP Ana Schwarz, Esq., Rubin & Rudman LLP DAY 2 -Buy Low, Sell High | Marry High, Sell Low -- Navigating Property Division and Alimony in the Volatile Market of 2025 In 2025, economic volatility -- driven by fluctuating real estate values, stock market instability, and shifting interest rates -- has introduced complex variables into family law. Massachusetts’ equitable distribution and alimony frameworks require practitioners to integrate market-savvy analysis into their legal strategies. This program provides guidance for family law attorneys on how market shifts affect property division and alimony determinations, and how to prepare arguments and settlements that reflect today’s economic uncertainty. Under M.G.L. c. 208, §34, courts must consider the fair market value of assets as of the time of divorce. In volatile markets, that value is a moving target. Real estate instability Property valuations swing monthly Days on market has increased given the sluggishness of the real estate market in certain geographies. Retirement and Investment Accounts: Account balances may not reflect true or stable value Consider tax implications of liquidating in a down market Time QDROs carefully to avoid inequitable gains/losses Business Valuations: Certain valuation approaches or dates may produce different results and may feel unreliable Under the Alimony Reform Act (M.G.L. c. 208, §§48–55), alimony is based on the payor’s ability to pay and the recipient’s need. Both are now subject to unpredictable change. Income Instability: Professionals in tech, finance, and real estate face erratic earnings. Consider variable support structures tied to bonuses or commissions. Consider review triggers for significant economic shifts. Consider using CPA’s, forensic accountants, and valuation experts who understand modern asset classes and compensation structures.  Anticipate future modifications due to inflation, job changes, or economic upticks and downturns. In settlement agreements, build in flexibility   The intersection of economic volatility and equitable distribution demands technical fluency and strategic foresight. This program will provide you with the ability to anticipate, strategize, and plan the course of your client representation in the 2025 financial market. Faculty Hon. Jennifer Bingham, Probate & Family Court Lisa Cukier, Esq., Rubin & Rudman LLP Gabrielle Denby, Esq., Rubin & Rudman LLP Robert Sanders, CFA, Senior Vice President, Woodstock Lisa Supple, MS, Vice President, Woodstock The views and opinions expressed in programs offered by the Social Law Library are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Library. 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 80 % of the live webinar is attended. To insure getting the video, please register.

This six-part course series begins with an introduction to family law and how to be an effective family law advocate from “A-Z” and spots in between.

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) for this six-part series. They will show you how to become a confident family court advocate for your clients. Designed for novice family law attorneys.

In 2025, economic volatility -- driven by fluctuating real estate values, stock market instability, and shifting interest rates -- has introduced complex variables into family law. Massachusetts’ equitable distribution and alimony frameworks require practitioners to integrate market-savvy analysis into their legal strategies.

Pretrial investigation, including ascertaining false allegations, Rule 17 motions, Preservation of digital evidence and the interplay between Rule 14 and Rule 17, Charging decisions, First complaint, Special issues with child witnesses, Expert witnesses

Dates & Times:  Day 1 - Wednesday, October 15, 2025 – 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET Day 2 - Wednesday, October 22, 2025 – 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET Webinar Fee: SPECIAL DISCOUNT PRICE OF $125 FOR BOTH SESSIONS – SAVE $25 This program is online only and will be recorded. Everyone who registers will receive a link to the video recordings for sessions for which they are registered. CPCS approved 2.0 credits for each day for the Criminal Trials and Appeals, and YAD Appeals panels. Separate CLE Certificates will be emailed out each day for those who qualify. Faculty Day 1 Hon. Beverly Cannone, Superior Court Hon. David Deakin, Superior Court Hon. Julieann Hernon, District Court Andrew Covington, ADA, Northwestern District Attorney’s Office Kate Frame, Esq., The Law Offices of Kate Frame, Boston Annie Iglehart, Esq., Iglehart and Porges, Boston Meagen Monahan, ADA, Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office   Day 1 will focus on important pre-trial issues in sexual assault cases. Topics covered will include: Pretrial investigation, including ascertaining false allegations Rule 17 motions Preservation of digital evidence and the interplay between Rule 14 and Rule 17 Charging decisions First complaint Special issues with child witnesses Expert witnesses Faculty Day 2 Hon. Beverly Cannone, Superior Court Hon. Jane Mulqueen, Superior Court Hon. Michael Cahillane, Superior Court Hon. Shelby Smith, District Court Christie Feeney, Esq., Committee for Public Counsel Services, Norfolk County Andrew Giarolo, ADA, Berkshire District Attorney’s Office Alexandra Isaacs, ADA, Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office Claudia Lagos, Esq., Scully & Lagos, Boston Rita Muse, ADA, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office Day 2 will focus on important trial issues in sexual assault cases. Topics covered will include: Jury empanelment, including use of questionnaires Evidentiary Issues: incapacitation and proceeding without a testifying victim, introduction of digital evidence including social media posts, cell phone evidence and deleted photos/communications Jury instructions The views and opinions expressed in programs offered by the Social Law Library are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Library. 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. This product purchase is separate from CLE registration and is not included in the price of a CLE registration. CLE credit, when applicable, is only granted when at least 80 % of the live webinar is attended.

Topic: Succession Planning - as it relates to Guardianship and Conservatorship, Estate Planning and Financial Planning for Individuals with Special Needs

Topics: Succession Planning and Mental Health and Guardianship

This session provides 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 second session will focus on treatment, recovery, and the process of returning to personal and professional well-being.

This series is taken from the 2025 "You Be the Judge" all-day training session for judges sponsored by the Flaschner Judicial Institute. The instructors are judges, experienced practitioners, and law professors from the Supreme Judicial Court's Advisory Committee on the Law of Evidence.

This series is taken from the 2025 "You Be the Judge" all-day training session for judges sponsored by the Flaschner Judicial Institute. The instructors are judges, experienced practitioners, and law professors from the Supreme Judicial Court's Advisory Committee on the Law of Evidence.

Join us for a webinar to learn more about using your Social Law Library membership to do online legal research. Access Massachusetts court and agency decisions through Social Law's own databases, or search primary law for all 50 States and Federal on VLex Fastcase.

Date & Time: Day 2 - Wednesday, October 22, 2025 – 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET Webinar Fee: $75 (Day 2 only) - SPECIAL DISCOUNT PRICE OF $125 FOR BOTH SESSIONS – SAVE $25 This program is online only and will be recorded. Everyone who registers will receive a link to the video recordings for sessions for which they are registered. CPCS approved 2.0 credits for each day for the Criminal Trials and Appeals, and YAD Appeals panels. Separate CLE Certificates will be emailed out each day for those who qualify.   Faculty Hon. Beverly Cannone, Superior Court Hon. Jane Mulqueen, Superior Court Hon. Michael Cahillane, Superior Court Hon. Shelby Smith, District Court Christie Feeney, Esq., Committee for Public Counsel Services, Norfolk County Andrew Giarolo, ADA, Berkshire District Attorney’s Office Alexandra Isaacs, ADA, Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office Claudia Lagos, Esq., Scully & Lagos, Boston Rita Muse, ADA, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office Day 2 will focus on important trial issues in sexual assault cases. Topics covered will include: Jury empanelment, including use of questionnaires Evidentiary Issues: incapacitation and proceeding without a testifying victim, introduction of digital evidence including social media posts, cell phone evidence and deleted photos/communications Jury instructions The views and opinions expressed in programs offered by the Social Law Library are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Library. 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. This product purchase is separate from CLE registration and is not included in the price of a CLE registration. CLE credit, when applicable, is only granted when at least 80 % of the live webinar is attended.

Date & Time: Thursday, October 23, 2025, 9:00 A.M. to Noon Webinar Fee: $95 (Day 2 only) This program is online only and will be recorded. Anyone who registers will receive a link to the video recording. 3.0 credits on Day 2 for Mental Health Trials and Appeals and Parole/Medical Parole panels. Also, 1.0 credit has been approved on Day 2 for the Criminal Trials panel. MGA members will receive a coupon code to get a $25 discount off either of these prices. For information on joining MGA visit: http://www.massguardianshipassociation.org/ Presented by the Massachusetts Guardianship Association  and the Social Law Library   Topic: Mental Health and Guardianship – a discussion on mental health, substance abuse, developmental disabilities and more as it relates to guardianship, alternatives to guardianship, extraordinary treatment, holistic approaches, legal standards, and what to do in a crisis. Faculty: Hon. George Phelan, Probate and Family Court Lisa Cukier, Esq. Rubin and Rudman LLP Zachary Faas, Psy.D., M.A. - Vice President of Clinical Operations of Intent Clinical Gene Hollenbach, LMHC - Eliot Community Human Services Melissa A. Howitt, Esq., Doherty, Dugan, Cannon, Raymond & Weil, P.C. The views and opinions expressed in programs offered by the Social Law Library are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Library. 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 80% of the live webinar is attended. To insure getting the video, please register.

This session answers the following questions: 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?

This series is taken from the 2025 "You Be the Judge" all-day training session for judges sponsored by the Flaschner Judicial Institute. The instructors are judges, experienced practitioners, and law professors from the Supreme Judicial Court's Advisory Committee on the Law of Evidence.

This series is taken from the 2025 "You Be the Judge" all-day training session for judges sponsored by the Flaschner Judicial Institute. The instructors are judges, experienced practitioners, and law professors from the Supreme Judicial Court's Advisory Committee on the Law of Evidence.

This program will feature a panel consisting of advocates and judges who will address a range of issues that arise in correctional institutions. The topics include issues that frequently arise involving litigation of incarcerated individuals.

Most divorce cases will end with a 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.

At a time when immigration enforcement is on everyone's minds, two experienced immigration lawyers go beyond the headlines and break down everything that Massachusetts attorneys who do not practice in this tumultuous and constantly-changing field of immigration law need to know right now.

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.

Join a panel of family law judges for a discussion on their view from the bench. Learn how to be a better and more effective advocate in the courtroom from the judges.