MCLE ThisWeek Podcast

The judges discuss the importance of preparation, professionalism, and maintaining a practical approach to advocacy. They explain why understanding your client's goals, treating all courtroom participants with respect, and focusing on clear communication can have a significant impact on both the court and your client's interests.   They also provide perspective on: Why thorough preparation remains...

Korrin Peterson shares how her two decades with the Buzzards Bay Coalition shaped her unconventional environmental law career, blending litigation, policy advocacy, grant management, and hands-on wastewater infrastructure work before transitioning into private practice at Bowditch & Dewey. She explains how environmental law extends far beyond statutes and regulations, requiring attorneys to unders...

Mark shares a candid look at the nonlinear path that led him to become Executive Director of MCLE, highlighting how resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to pursue new opportunities shaped his career. From working in finance and higher education to building a solo law practice and teaching for over three decades, Mark emphasizes that professional growth often comes from unexpected turns rath...

Mandy and Cameron break down what it actually takes to build a career in sports law and why there is no single path in. Mandy highlights the role of persistence, networking, and starting in a non-attorney position, while Cameron shares how a traditional law firm path and a strategic in-house pivot led her to Fenway Sports Group. They also challenge common misconceptions about the field, explaining...

Mike shares how his firm’s transition to Bowditch & Dewey marked a strategic shift toward greater depth, stability, and long-term growth. He reflects on the realities of law firm mergers, the importance of cultural fit, and why thoughtful, deliberate decision-making matters when navigating professional change. At the same time, he explores what it truly takes to master trial advocacy — not just kn...

Chris shares how the pandemic prompted a fundamental shift in how he viewed his role as a lawyer — from focusing primarily on results to becoming deeply intentional about how clients feel at every stage of representation . He explains why client service begins at intake, long before a fee agreement is signed, and why firms that ignore the client experience do so at their own risk.   With honesty,...

In this episode: Host Bruce Richard sits down with immigration attorney Robin Nice for an in-depth discussion about the legal and human realities of ICE enforcement in the United States. With over a decade of experience representing asylum seekers and families facing deportation, Robin explains how attorneys can better understand clients’ rights and the rapidly changing landscape of immigration po...

In this episode: Host Bruce Richard interviews Tyler Summers, a Massachusetts family law attorney who has grown a strong social media following by producing engaging, informative, and often humorous content about divorce, prenups, and family law. Tyler offers practical advice for attorneys who are curious about using social media to expand their reach without compromising professionalism. With ope...

In this episode: Host Bruce Richard sits down with Superior Court Judges Beverly Cannone and Catherine Ham for an engaging and positive discussion about trial practice from the judges’ perspective. Rather than focusing on common pitfalls, they highlight the five things attorneys do in the courtroom that they truly value.   With humor, candor, and decades of combined courtroom experience, Judges Ca...

In this Episode: Host Bruce Richard sits down with elder law attorney and MCLE author Brian E. Barreira to separate fact from fiction in long-term care and MassHealth planning. In a wide-ranging discussion packed with practical insights, Brian highlights three critical issues that all legal practitioners, and their clients should better understand: Why going on MassHealth doesn’t mean receiving in...

In This Episode: Host Bruce Richard sits down with seasoned family law attorney Jonathan P. Fields to explore how the concept of fairness in divorce often requires more than a 50/50 split. Together, they discuss: When and why “equal” doesn’t always mean “fair” in asset division The impact of trusts, inheritances, and premarital assets Conduct-based arguments in high-conflict divorces Creative stra...

In This Episode: Host Bruce Richard sits down with renowned attorney Rachel M. Self to explore the fast-evolving landscape of immigration law in the United States and what every lawyer should know to be a better advocate for non-citizen clients. Together, they discuss: Navigating emergency ICE detention and court wins Responding to the Martha’s Vineyard migrant flights Understanding immigration st...

In This Episode: Host Bruce sits down with family law attorney Hope Simas from Kates & Barlow to discuss: What it was like handling her first deposition and contested hearing How new lawyers can navigate different partner expectations The reality of courtroom nerves, client reactions, and finding confidence Her experience as ARC (Attorneys Representing Children) counsel Favorite de-stressing metho...

In This Episode: Host Bruce Richard sits down with Brendan McSheffrey to explore: The Kendall AI Project’s mission to make AI accessible and actionable for businesses and legal professionals. Practical tips for attorneys on getting started with AI tools like ChatGPT and others. Brendan’s five foundational rules for AI excellence, including problem-driven innovation and the importance of team colla...

In This Episode: Host Bruce Richard sits down with Shira Diner to explore: How BU Law’s Defender Clinic gives students hands-on experience with real clients The biggest challenges and misconceptions law students have about public defense Strategies for developing confidence and resilience in the courtroom The importance of mentorship, networking, and work-life balance in the legal field Featured G...

In This Episode: Host Bruce sits down with legal consultant Jared Correia to discuss: How he transitioned from practicing law to running Red Cave Law Firm Consulting. Simple strategies to help solo and small law firms thrive, including tips on data management, marketing, and scaling. Why your online presence matters more than ever—and how to fix it. Jared’s entertaining personal stories, including...

We’re thrilled to bring you fresh perspectives and essential updates from the legal community as this new era of MCLE ThisWeek kicks off. Our revamped podcast features a Q&A style format with guests from across the legal spectrum. We'll explore key topics, get expert analysis from practitioners, and deliver practical tips to enhance your practice. Whether you’re a seasoned attorney or just startin...

Hon. Gordon H. Piper of the Massachusetts Land Court explains the land court's history and jurisdiction in the state, excerpted from MCLE's 4/10/2024 live webcast: Lawyer's Roadmap to the Land Court . The full program is available as an on-demand webcast or an MP3 here .  Get 24/7 instant access to hundreds of related eLectures like this one—and more—with a subscription to the MCLE OnlinePass. Lea...

Tracey Meyers of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL | MassLOMAP) and Bernardo Gustavo Cuadra from the Office of the Attorney General Nonprofit Organizations/Public Charities Division discuss mental health awareness for lawyers, excerpted from MCLE's 4/11/2024 live webcast: Mindfulness and Self Compassion for Lawyers . The full program is available as an on-demand webcast or an MP3 here .  Get 24/7...

Mala M. Rafik of Rosenfeld & Rafik explores MHPAEA's requirements, practical implications for employees, and key compliance tips for employers, excerpted from MCLE's 3/21/2024 live webcast: Understanding How the Mental Health Parity & Addiction Equity Act Impacts Employer Benefits . The full program is available as an on-demand webcast or an MP3 here .  Get 24/7 instant access to hundreds of relat...

Joshua E. French and Elizabeth S. Meyers of Nutter McClennen & Fish, discuss what to consider when faced with the possibility of changing form of entity for a business, excerpted from MCLE's 6/10/2024 live webcast: LLC v. Corporation Decision Tree & Drafting Tips . The full program is available as an on-demand webcast or an MP3 here .  Get 24/7 instant access to hundreds of related eLectures like...

Chichi Lee of the Middlesex District Attorney's Office as they dive into the details of the decision and explore its implications for both First Amendment jurisprudence and practical issues in criminal and civil law, excerpted from MCLE's 5/30/2024 live webcast: Impact of SCOTUS Decision in Counterman v. Colorado on Defining a True Threat . The full program is available as an on-demand webcast or...

Hon. Lee M. Peterson of the Probate and Family Court, John F. Weaver of McLane Middleton, Hon. Michael D. Brennan, Taunton District Court, and Hon. Brian A. Davis of the Superior Court, Business Litigation Session, give you the latest on Artificial Intelligence and its implementation into law practices across the state excerpted from MCLE's 6/10/2024 live webcast: AI in the Massachusetts Courts ....

Scott J. Clifford, of Lipsey & Clifford and Ward P. Graham, of Westcor Land Title Insurance Company, cover the basics surrounding trust concepts, excerpted from MCLE's 5/21/2024 live webcast: Conveying Title from Trusts The full program is available as an on-demand webcast or an MP3 here .  Get 24/7 instant access to hundreds of related eLectures like this one—and more—with a subscription to the M...

Norman I. Jacobs of Esdaile, Barrett, Jacobs & Mone, details the delicate balance of assertiveness and civility in the courtroom while defending a wronged spouse, excerpted from MCLE's 4/8/2024 live webcast: Zealous Representation of the Aggrieved Spouse in Divorce The full program is available as an on-demand webcast or an MP3 here .  Get 24/7 instant access to hundreds of related eLectures like...