Mass. Lawyer's Journal - September 2010

VolUMe 18 | nUMBer 1 | sePTeMBer 2010

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Celebrating a century of service

Officer slate set to lead MBA through centennial year

“The heritage of the past is the seed that brings forth the harvest of the future.” — UNKNOWN, inscribed on the National Archives building in Washington, D.C. I stand on the strong shoulders of the past leaders of the Massachusetts Bar Association who have blazed the remarkable trail before me to continue the association’s timeless mission. The beauty and strength of the organization was and is not only in the depth and diversity of our membership, but in the caliber and courage of our many inspirational leaders.

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learn about the Mba’s 2010-11 officers.

Pictured from left to right: President Denise Squillante, President-elect richard P. Campbell, Treasurer robert l. holloway Jr., Vice President Jeffrey n. Catalano, Secretary Marsha V. Kazarosian, General Counsel and acting executive Director Martin w. healy and Vice President Douglas K. Sheff.

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Photo by Jeff thiebauth

PresiDent’s View Denise squiLLante

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STATE BUDGET CUTS LEAVE COURTS

Squillante to bring “main street lawyer” perspective to president’s office By TriCia M. oliVer

FEW OPTIONS plans for consolidation, relocation raise concern By Bill arChaMBeaUlT

inside

Denise Squillante is widely recognized as one of the Massachusetts Bar Association’s most vocal ambassadors. A self-described “main street lawyer” from southeastern Massachusetts, Squillante has steadily worked through the volunteer ranks to now lead the MBA through its centennial-year celebration. Squillante’s term as MBA president follows that of Valerie A. Yarashus and marks the first time in MBA history that a female succeeds another woman president. It also marks only the second time that an attorney from Fall River assumes the presidency. The last to hail from that city was John W. Cummings in 1918. In honor of its 100th anniversary, the “MBA will be celebrating a century of service to the public, the profession and the rule of law throughout its 2010-11 association year,” said Squillante, who established a solo practice in Fall River nearly 30 years ago. Now a small firm, her practice specializes in family law, corporate law, injury and estates, and also provides business and legal consulting services to corporations. 10

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As the Trial Court Department considers drastic cost-cutting recommendations to move and consolidate more than a dozen courthouses statewide, concerns have been raised about the impact the changes would have. A decision is expected this fall, and anxiety is rising. The Trial Court is facing a $24.7 million reduction from last year’s budget — and a $70.3 million drop from fiscal 2009’s $605.1 million budget. The courts have lost more than 700 employees since October 2008, when an ongoing hiring

freeze was enacted. Energy savings and lease renegotiations and cancellations have yielded millions. Despite all the costcutting pain, court officials are still racing to offset their shrinking budget. With few options, the court system’s hopes for living within next year’s budget Map of relocation are now focused and consolidation recommendations largely on consolidating court PaGe 7 functions across a number of communities. Concerns about the potential impact on the system, as well as the people who rely on it, are still being weighed in response to the July 30 release of recommendations from the Trial Court Relocation Committee, which was 6 charged with the unenviable task of

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What a tremendous difference a century makes. Following the tenure set by MBA’s inaugural President Richard Olney signature quote, “the most eminent lawyer may often fail to make himself felt,” the association embarked to improve the professionalism of the bar. The shift then began from a profession widely recognized for its corporate focus mBa BeginS to what founding centennial celeBratiOn member Louis D. 13 Brandeis exemplified as the “people’s lawyer.” Such a shift eased the way for Alfred Hemenway, “an unknown boy without any influence or even business acquaintance,” from a farm in Hopkinton to make an impressive mark in the Massachusetts bar and serve as the second president of the MBA. The association set its early sights on improving the standard of bar admission, a necessity given the local effects following the American bar’s rapid growth from 60,000 lawyers in 1880 to 114,000 at the turn of the 20th century. Embracing the diversity of the bar from its onset, the MBA openly welcomed legal professionals from all genders, races, ethnicities, religions and geographic residences. In 1913, the MBA proudly set a precedent by welcoming Mary A. Ma2 han of West Roxbury as its first

Longtime MBA champion to take helm

SUmmer SOcial Second annual networking event held at Boston waterfront

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OFFER FOR NEW LAWYERS. 17

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see PaGe 2 For a CoMPleTe lisTinG oF This issUe’s ConTenTs.

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