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Litigation

Improving advocacy and trial skills for litigators who practice in state court, federal court and alternative-dispute venues

News

From Issue Spot: The Low Down on Judicial Salaries

Monday, May 14, 2012
Next Wednesday, May 16th, the Massachusetts Senate will release its proposed Fiscal Year 2013 budget. The Senate debate on the budget will begin the week of May 21st and the BBA is still pressing for more money for our justice system – in particular for our state courts and for civil legal aid. The need for increased funding and the impact of an inadequately funded judiciary have been described most recently here and here. Fundamental to the administration of justice – and an important piece of the justice system puzzle – is the full and fair compensation of our state court judges. Being able to recruit and retain the highest caliber of judges is an integral part of our ability to provide the highest quality of service to all people who use our courts.
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Missed "Pretrial Discovery Strategies and Procedure" on 3/26? Watch it Online!

Tuesday, May 01, 2012
On March 26, the Tort Committee hosted the CLE program Pretrial Discovery Strategies and Procedure. At this program, seasoned practitioners from the plaintiff’s and defense bar presented their perspectives on the progression of claims leading up to trial. The panel presented practical advice and examples which attendees could use in developing a litigation plan to maximize their client’s case. Did you miss this program? Watch the recording online and download the materials through West Legal Ed Center.
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Litigation Committees

  • Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee
    This committee hosts speakers on a wide variety of issues relating to arbitration, mediation and other dispute resolution processes. It strives to offer programs that are of value to individuals who serve as mediators and arbitrators, as well as advocates representing clients in dispute resolution processes, both domestic and international.

    Contact Information

    David H. Gibbs

    Bowditch & Dewey, LLP - Boston Office

    (617) 757-6515

    Christopher D. Strang

    Desmond, Strang & Scott, LLP

    (857) 233-5534

  • Antitrust & Business Litigation Committee
    This committee provides a means of dialogue and learning for members who share an interest in business litigation.

    Contact Information

    Mary B. Freeley

    Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General

    (617) 727-2200

    Kevin J. O'Connor

    Hinckley, Allen & Snyder LLP

    (617) 378-4394

  • Class Actions Committee
    This committee explores the ever-changing landscape of class action practice and procedure in federal and state courts in a wide variety of areas, including mass torts, environmental law, securities and consumer fraud.

    Contact Information

    Shennan Alexandra Kavanagh

    Klein Kavanagh Costello LLP

    (617) 35755032

    Matthew Edward Miller

    Foley Hoag LLP

    (617) 832-1000

  • Construction Law Committee
    This committee addresses all aspects of construction law, including contract documents and alternative project delivery systems; construction litigation, arbitration and ADR; public contract law and other legal issues of interest to practitioners who handle matters relating to construction.

    Contact Information

    Bradley L. Croft

    Ruberto, Israel & Weiner, P.C.

    (617) 742-4200

    Hugh J. Gorman

    Prince Lobel Tye LLP

    (617) 456-8000

    John McNamara

    Domestoco, Lane & McNamara, LLP

    (508) 626-9000

  • Environmental Litigation Committee
    This committee focuses on Chapter 21E, CERCLA, insurance, clean air and clean water litigation.

    Contact Information

    Michael W. Dingle

    Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

    Robert F. Fitzpatrick

    Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP

    (617) 526-6382

  • Federal Practice and Procedure Committee
    This committee concentrates on developments in federal civil procedure and practical issues affecting practice in federal court. Areas covered include changes and proposed changes to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the District of Massachusetts' Local Rules; reports of new and significant decisions interpreting the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Federal Rules of Evidence; and presentations concerning such practical matters as the District of Massachusetts' mediation program and the use of technology in the courtroom.

    Contact Information

    Meredith Lee Ainbinder

    Sunstein Kann Murphy & Timbers LLP

    (617) 443-9292

    Mayeti Gametchu

    Securities & Exchange Commission

    (617) 573-8921

  • Intellectual Property Litigation Committee
    This is a joint committee between the Intellectual Property and Litigation Sections. This committee provides education concerning the enforcement of patent, trademark, copyright and trade secrets rights as well as the defense of those accused of infringing on such rights, in federal and state courts and before the International Trade Commission.

    Contact Information

    William Belanger

    Pepper Hamilton, LLP

    (617) 956-4350

    William Rocha

    Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P.

    (617) 267-2300

  • Litigation Membership Committee
    This committee aims to increase participation in the Section through outreach activities.

    Contact Information

    Kristin Casavant

    Jones Day

    (617) 449-6907

  • Litigation Pro Bono Committee
    This committee addresses issues concerning the involvement of lawyers in volunteer legal services and community pro bono needs.

    Contact Information

    Manisha Hemendra Bhatt

    Greater Boston Legal Services

    (617) 603-1520

    Jillian B. Hirsch

    Day Pitney LLP

    (617) 345-4621

    Scott Mays

    Berman DeValerio

    (617) 542-8300

  • Litigation Public Policy Committee
    The BBA is very active in legislative and regulatory changes. Attorneys are often asked to lend their expertise.

    Contact Information

    Sarah Elizabeth Ashby

    Psychemedics Corporation

    (800) 628-8073

  • Massachusetts Practice and Procedure Committee
    This committee concentrates on developments in Massachusetts civil procedure and practical issues affecting practice in Massachusetts courts.

    Contact Information

    David W. Robinson

    Ruberto, Israel & Weiner, P.C.

    (617) 742-4200

    Rebecca A. MacDowell

    Brown Rudnick LLP

    (617) 856-8200

  • Professional Liability Committee
    This committee covers issues involving the liability of accountants, lawyers, physicians, architects and other professionals for malpractice, including liability under federal statutes and consumer protection laws.

    Contact Information

    Jill M. Brannelly

    Peabody & Arnold LLP

    (617) 951-4724

    John J. Jarosak

    Litchfield Cavo LLP

    (781) 309-1508

  • Securities Enforcement and Litigation Committee
    This committee aims to foster dialogue among the legal and investigatory staff of securities regulators, lawyers who represent companies and persons involved in regulatory investigations/enforcement proceedings and lawyers who represent plaintiffs in private securities litigation and shareholder derivative actions.

    Contact Information

    Timothy J. Perla

    Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP

    (617) 526-6696

    Michael Thomas Marcucci

    Jones Day

    (617) 342-8100

  • Steering Committee
    The leadership committee of the Section organizes programs and discusses policy. To inquire about opportunities, please contact the Section Co-Chairs.
  • Tort Committee
    This committee addresses all matters relating to injury and damage to persons and property.

    Contact Information

    Stephen K Sugarman

    Sugarman & Sugarman, PC

    (617) 542-1000

    Joseph Desmond

    Morrison Mahoney LLP

    (617) 439-754