Housing Court Lawyer for the Day Program - Pro Bono Training for Litigators

The BBA Real Estate Section Lawyer for the Day Program - Trial Attorney Project is offering litigators the fulfilling pro bono opportunity to handle a Boston Housing Court case through trial or other resolution. Volunteer trial attorneys receive an opportunity to make a real difference in a needy client’s life while developing practical and useful litigation and trial skills.

On December 10th, the BBA Real Estate Pro Bono Committee will sponsor its second annual training session for both new and experienced volunteer litigators taking Housing Court pro bono cases.  The training session will feature information on pre-trial strategy, evidentiary issues, serving the pro bono client, and related ethical matters.  Presenters will include the Hon. Jeffrey M. Winik, First Justice of the Boston Housing Court, and Robert B. Burdick, Director of the Civil Law Clinical Program at Boston University School of Law.

The Trial Attorney Project offers opportunities for volunteer lawyers to gain invaluable courtroom experience through the representation of clients at jury-waived or jury summary process trials.  Cases are screened and referred to a volunteer lawyers only if (1) there are viable claims or defenses, (2) early trial dates can be set (usually within 60 days from the referral),  (3) the cases are likely to be tried in a single day, and (3) the other parties are represented by counsel.  The assigned case is initially scheduled for a telephonic status conference with a Housing Court judge, at which time a trial date is set and discovery and other pre-trial issues are addressed.

This free training session will take place Dec. 10th, 4:30-6:30 PM at the Boston Bar Asciation, 16 Beacon Street. Please click here to RSVP.

Interested attorneys can also contact Paul Dullea, BBA Director of Community Affairs, at (617) 778-1934 or Pdullea@bostonbar.org to register.