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SUSTAINING MEMBERS
Alekman DiTusa, LLC*
Annino, Draper & Moore, P.C.*
Bacon Wilson, P.C.*
Bulkley, Richardson & Gelinas, LLP*
Cooley Shrair, P.C.*
Dalsey, Ferrara & Albano*
DiSanti Law Offices*
Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy, P.C.*
Dunn & Wilson*
Egan, Flanagan & Cohen, P.C.*
Hare, Stamm & Harris, P.C.*
Katz Argenio, P.C.
Law Office of Thomas A. Kenefick, III*
Law Offices of Thomas M. Libbos, P.C.*
Lyon & Fitzpatrick, LLP*
Peskin, Courchesne & Allen, P.C.*
Robinson Donovan, P.C.*
Ryan & Downey, P.C.*
Szlachetka Dubay, P.C.*
Welch & Barba, P.C.*
Robert H. Astor, Esq.*
Steven L. Baumohl, Esq.*
Eugene B. Berman, Esq.*
Patricia A. Bobba-Donovan, Esq.
Hon. Henry J. Boroff*
Carol J. Kantany-Casartello, Esq.*
Charles R. Casartello, Jr. Esq.*
Raymond F. Catuogno*
Lance S. Chavin, Esq.*
Michael J. Chernick, Esq.
David K. Chivers, Esq.
Hon. James G. Collins
Hon. Philip A. Contant*
Hon. Rebekah J. Crampton-Kamukala*
Jane E. Crosby, Esq.*
Jennifer Midura-D’Amour, Esq.*
Theodore E. Dimauro, Esq.*
William J. Doherty, Esq.*
Philip M. Duda, Esq.*
Hon. Patricia M. Dunbar*
Hon. Nancy Dusek-Gomez*
Margaret E. Eckert, Esq.*
Hal Etkin, Esq.
Hon, John S. Ferrara
Jack Ferriter, Esq.*
Hon. Linda S. Fidnick*
Stephanie A. Fitzgerald, Esq.
William D. Fitzpatrick, Esq.*
Chester E. Flavin, Esq.*
Hon. Daniel A. Ford*
Anthony Gallant, Esq.
Mary E. Gallant, Esq.
Richard D. Gelinas, Esq.*
Hon. Anne M. Geoffrion*
Alfred J. Geoffrion, Jr., Esq.*
Hon. Ann M. Gibbons*
Claudette-Jean Girard, Esq.*
Fredi Ann Goldman, Esq.
Efrem A. Gordon, Esq.*
Marie P. Grady, Esq.
Hon. John M. Greaney*
Kyle R. Guelcher, Esq.
Hon. Mary E. Hurley*
Hon. Barbara M. Hyland*
Hon. Bertha D. Josephson*
Hon. George C. Keady, Jr.*
Hon. C. Jeffrey Kinder*
Hon. Robert F. Kumor, Jr.
David A. Ladizki, Esq.*
Paul G. Lalonde, Esq.*
David L. Lorenzi, Esq.*
Stephen P. Maidman, Esq.*
S. Thomas Martinelli, Esq.
Hon. Mark D Mason*
Peter D. Mazza, Esq.*
Hon. C. Brian McDonald
John P. McKenna, Esq.*
John McNally, Esq.*
Randy J. Milou, Esq.*
Richard C. Morrissey, Esq.*
Hon. Michael E. Mulcahy
Christopher B. Myhrum, Esq.
Donna D. Nardi, Esq.*
Hon. Kenneth P. Neiman
Alison Bartlett-O'Donald, Esq.
Hon. Tina S. Page*
John J. Pajak, Esq.*
Hon. John M. Payne, Jr.*
Jill M. McCarthy Payne, Esq.*
Hon. Joseph A. Pellegrino
Hon. Gail L. Perlman*
Hon. Patricia T. Poehner*
Hon. Michael A. Ponsor*
Dennis P. Powers, Esq.
Mary P. Powers, Esq.*
Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., Esq.*
Burton S. Resnic, Esq.
Hon. David S. Ross*
John D. Ross, III, Esq.
Catherine Z. Rossi, Esq.*
Hon. Rudolph A. Sacco
Hon. David G. Sacks*
Jeffrey B. Sagalyn, Esq.*
Hon. Bethzaida Sanabria-Vega*
Robert T. Santaniello, Esq.*
Hon. George A. Sheehy*
Hon. Kent B. Smith*
Eileen Z. Sorrentino, Esq.
Stephen E. Spelman, Esq.*
Hon. Daniel J. Swords
Jennifer A. Thorn, Esq.*
Karl W. Topor, Esq.*
Dennis E. Tully, Esq.
Christina M. Turgeon, Esq.*
Hon. Ariane D. Vuono*
Hon. William T. Walsh*
*Sustaining Members over two consecutive years |
MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT THOMAS A. KENEFICK, III
Overall, January proved to be a “red letter” month. Christina Turgeon’s hard work, at the direction of the Board of Directors, obtained for us a $15,000 grant from Mass Mutual to fund our legal clinic. This is obviously welcome news for our association and its endeavors to serve members of the public. Mass Mutual, too, through Dorothy Varon’s leadership in its law department, has expressed an active interest in becoming more involved with our activities and outreach. In addition to the grant money, Mass Mutual has generously offered to provide additional resources via its in-house legal personnel to augment those that are volunteered to our legal clinic and other related programs. Mass Mutual is enthusiastic about becoming a partner in more bar-related association activities. The benefits from Mass Mutual’s participation symbolizes the beginning of a relationship that can only be of benefit, not only to both Mass Mutual and the HCBA, but to the community we serve. My sincerest thanks to Dorothy and Christina for their wonderful work.
In other news, on Saturday, January 21, 2012, the New Lawyer section sponsored a lunch for the homeless in the South Congregational Church. A number of our members were present to help prepare and serve the lunches to the homeless, as well as to assist with clean-up. Those members should be commended for their excellent contribution to this worthy effort.
For those who were interested in the implications of the recent Ibanez litigation, a lunch seminar was conducted by the Real Estate section at which members of REBA spoke. The event was well-attended and members found it enlightening. Also the Real Estate section announced that they recently made a generous monetary donation of $500.00 to the Emergency Food Pantry of Springfield.
Plans are in the making for Judge’s Night, which will be held sometime in March or April.
The issue on our space at the Hall of Justice remains open. Once we receive some news, we will pass it along to you. Click here for a copy of correspondence between the bar association and the District Attorney’s Office. Let us have your input.
As you can see, during the winter months, we continue to be more than active in making our presence known and providing services to our membership and our community. Our bench bar and brown bag functions continue to draw good numbers and provide education and assistance to our membership.
Hopefully, the ground hog’s appearance on February 2nd will be a harbinger of an early spring. I look forward to seeing all of you soon.
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WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS
The Hampden County Bar Association would like to welcome the following attorneys as new members:
Anthony Bongiorni, Esq.
Christopher F. Bourbeau, Esq. - Hampden County District Attorney
Mary Clark, Esq.
Francis E. Flannery, Esq.
John Gannon, Esq. - Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C.
Andrew Levchuk, Esq. - Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas, LLP
Vanessa Martinez, Esq. - Ramos, Robinson & Rodriguez-Ross, LLC
David G. Reid, Esq. - David G. Reid Attorney at Law P.L.L.C.
William Welch, Esq. - U.S. Department of Justice |
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MEMBER INFO
Attorney Carol C. Klyman of the law firm of Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin was recently elected to the Board of Directors of the Hilltown Land Trust.
Attorney Robert P. Cunningham has recently re-joined the law firm of Robinson, Donovan, P.C. His telephone number is 413-732-2301 and email is rcunningham@robinsondonovan.com.
Bulkely, Richardson and Gelinas, LLP recently announced the addition of four attorney's to the firm, Attorney John P. Pucci, Attorney Andrew Levchuk, Attorney J. Lizette Richards and Attorney Jamie L. Kessler.
The law firm of O'Connell, Flaherty & Attmore, LLC has recently relocated their office to 71 Park Avenue, West Springfield, MA . Telephone and fax numbers remain the same.
Thank you to Attorney Randy J. Milou for donating a ream of paper to the HCBA lobby copier. Donations are welcome and always appreciated!
Congratulations to the following Hampden County Bar Association members who won tickets to the Falcons hockey team home games for the month of January: Attorney Jessica A. Levy, Attorney Justin H. Dion, Attorney Bruce D. Clarkin, Attorney Hope C. Button and Attorney Christine M. Turgeon. Go Falcons!
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MEMBER BENEFITS
What is your HCBA Membership worth? Here are just a few examples…
Save 15 percent on all HCBA CLEs and Brown Bag Lunch Seminars
Save 15 percent on American Bar Association web store purchases including books, CLE course materials and other products - enter code PAB6EHCB upon checkout.
20 percent discount on UPS shipping through Unishippers.
20 percent discount on new subscriptions to LexisNexis Matthew Bender Publications and Annotate Laws of Massachusetts. For more information contact Suzanne Supina at (860) 604-8633 or via email at suzanne.supina@lexisnexis.com.
Save 20 percent on new LexisNexis Online Research Subscriptions
Save 30 percent on LexisNexis Total Practice Advantage Subscriptions
Save 25 percent on any website packages through ESQSites123.com. To access this benefit go to http://esqsites123.com/jumpPage/hcba/.
Reduced rates on credit card processing fees through First National Merchant Solutions. For more information contact Richard Rheault at (413) 527-1304 or via email at rrheault@fnni.com.
20 percent discount off Paychex payroll processing charges. For more information contact Jamie Scherban at (413) 731-8930 ext. 47954 or via email at jscherban@paychex.com. (Mention National Account Code 5712.)
20 percent discount off the purchase of new subscriptions to Westlaw Forms and on any print volume from West’s Massachusetts Practice Series.
15 percent discount on new subscriptions to West Case Notebook with LiveNote technology. Free trial for WestlawNext. Contact Karen Katz, Esq. at Karen.katz@thomsonreuters.com or 617-935-9331.
10 percent discount on Disability insurance with Standard Insurance Company
(Detailed information on the HCBA website)
Save 10 percent on legal transcription, depositions, video conferencing and a Waiver of set up fee transcription services and annual support fee with Catuogno Court Reporting & Sten-Tel Transcription Services. (Detailed information on HCBA website).
Save 15 percent on automotive maintenance/repair at Silk’s Auto Service, Inc., 51 Dale Street, Springfield, MA, (413) 733-9157.
$10.00 discount on Massage Therapy at Maleckas Therapeutic Massage, 501 Belmont Avenue, Springfield, MA, (413) 627-1410.
10 percent discount on computer repairs, data security, upgrades and installation of software for email encryption at Bob’s Computer Service, (413) 204-8339 or info@bobscomputerrepairs.com.
20 percent of Shredding Services with ProShred - visit www.proshred.com
Millbrook Benefits, Axia Group & LePage Financial Services - visit www.millbrookbenefits.com
- Discounts on various insurance products including Professional Liability
- Waiver of annual fee of $125.00 to access group health insurance for small groups
- One stop shopping and personalized service
- Millbrook custom design insurance solutions to meet your specific needs
Pensions & Benefits Associates, Inc. - visit www.manta.com
- Reduce plan document fee
- Reduce base in per participant rates
Elm's Cleaners, 245 Elm Street, West Springfield, MA
- Free pickup and delivery anywhere in Hampden County
- Elm's Cleaners will go to your office or residence
- 10% on dry cleaning & minor tailoring (excluding shirts)
Hampden County Hall of Justice Member Benefits:
• Photocopier
• Computer Terminal with Internet access (now with USB capabilities)
• Wireless Internet
Hampden Bank
Hampden Bank would like to extend the following special offer to all members of the Hampden County Bar Association:
Professional Services: Line of Credit*-No application fee • No annual fee
Terms:
Credit Score Line Amount APR
700-749 $ 7,500 Prime +2.00%
750+ $10,000 Prime +1.00%
*requires an IOLTA Checking account with Hampden Bank
Certificate of Deposit Specials
Add .10% to the Annual Percentage Yield on any CD with a new Bright Choice Business Checking account.
Add .20% to the Annual Percentage Yield on any CD with a new Bright Choice Business Checking account and IOLTA Checking account.
Please contact Hector Toledo, Vice President Retail Sales Director, 413.335.3483.
Offer valid thru June 1, 2013. May be rescinded at any time.
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HAMPDEN COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION EDUCATION COMMITTEE
The Hampden County Bar Association Education Committee would like to thank the following individuals who took time out of their busy schedule to present an educational training during the past month:
Tahirah Amatul-Wadud, Esquire
Michael Cutler, Esquire, Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS)
Francis E. Flannery, Esquire
Joseph A. Franco, Esquire
Honorable David M. Fuller, Probate & Family Court
Lee Hettinger, Esquire, Chief, WMass Regional Office, Office of Attorney General
Honorable Barbara M. Hyland, Probate & Family Court
Ann Lynch, Esquire, Consumer Protection Division, Office of Attorney General
Honorable David G. Sacks, Probate & Family Court
Mary Samberg, Esquire
Michael W. Verronneau, Cellular Device Expert
Jeffrey S. Weisser, Esquire
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UPCOMING SEMINARS
February 10, 2012 – Criminal Law Education Series:
Respect & Decorum in the Courtroom– 1pm – 2pm
Presenters: Honorable Richard J. Carey, Associate Justice of the Superior Court,
Honorable Robert A. Gordon, Associate Justice of the Springfield District Court,
Daphne G. Moore, Esquire, Assistant Clerk Magistrate and
Mr. Timothy DiStefano, Superior Court Officer
Location: Hampden County Hall of Justice, Commissioner’s Room, 50 State Street, Spfld.
February 17, 2012 – Criminal Law Education Series:
Where the Constitution meets the Cops, Search & Seizure Overview– 1pm – 2pm
Location: Hampden County Hall of Justice, Commissioner’s Room, 50 State Street, Spfld.
More information to follow
March 6, 2012 – Brown Bag Lunch Seminar:
Employment Law
Location: Hampden County Hall of Justice, Commissioner’s Room, 50 State Street, Spfld.
More Details to follow.
March 9, 2012 – Criminal Law Education Series:
Bail & Probation Issues– 1pm – 2pm
Location: Hampden County Hall of Justice, Commissioner’s Room, 50 State Street, Spfld.
More information to follow
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PROCLAMATION BY MAYOR DOMENIC J. SARNO
On January 10, 2012, the HCBA was presented with a Proclamation from the City of Springfield and Mayor Domenic J. Sarno proclaiming January 10, 2012 as Hampden County Bar Association Day. The Proclamation was given during a Recognition Lunch for volunteers who assisted in tornado relief efforts and for attorneys who volunteer in the Hampden County Housing Court project and 100 Lawyer Challenge. The guest speaker at the Recognition Lunch was the Honorable Ralph D. Gants, Associate Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court. To read the Proclaimation click here.
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UPCOMING EVENTS/FOLLOW UP
Golf Outing
The Hampden County Bar Association will be holding its Annual Golf Outing at the Ranch Golf Club in Southwick, MA on Thursday, May 17, 2012. Mark your calendars and save the date!
Annual Meeting - Save the Date
The HCBA Annual meeting and vendor show will be held on Thursday, June 14, 2012. Mark your calendars and save the date!
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NEW LAWYERS SECTION
Homeless Lunch - Follow Up
The New Lawyers Section recently prepared and served lunch to the homeless at the South Congregational Church on January 21, 2012. Many thanks to the attorneys, their families and friends for helping others in need.
New Lawyers Section Lunch
The New Lawyers’ Section next luncheon will be held on Friday, February 24, 2012 at Theodore's, 201 Worthington Street, Springfield, MA at 1:00 p.m. Please RSVP to Amy Gilgis at amy@sandslaw.com so reservations can be made.
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REAL ESTATE SECTION
The Real Estate Section is planning their next luncheon for February. Date and guest speaker will be announced at a later date. Watch for details.
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BANKRUPTCY SECTION
The Bankruptcy Section will be holding a luncheon on Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. at The Student Prince, Springfield, MA. Guest speakers will be William Harrington, U.S. Trustee for the First Circuit and Richard King, Assistant U.S. Trustee for the Western and Central Divisions of Massachusetts. The cost for lunch will be $18.00 per person. To register click here.
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PROBATE & FAMILY COURT
Notes from January 19, 2012 Bench Bar
1. As people are likely aware, the MUPC has been delayed. When the MUPC is implemented, there will be a practitioner available at Court as an MUPC Advisor. Additionally, there will be a phone in program where an attorney is available from approximately 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. one (1) day per week for phone calls from attorneys.
2. The Probate and Family Court is attempting to implement a protocol for telephonic appearances. Anyone who needs a copy of the telephone appearance protocol should e-mail Claudine T. Wyner at: ctwyner@marienhodge.com .
3. Another reminder to the Bar that protocol for Administrative Allowance requires three (3) business days notice for any motions to be handled administratively and should include fax numbers for prompt response.
4. As of January 17, 2012, there are new 209A forms in effect. The Probate and Family court’s website has the updated forms. It is important for practitioners to note, that if there are additional orders not included in the standard paragraphs that those Orders need to be attached to the Restraining Order. On the website there is also a revised guide to the new form.
5. A note to the Bar, that if you have an uncontested motion scheduled and you do not wait to present your motion, your motion will be denied. You must remain in the courtroom until your motion is heard.
6. Finally, the new Alimony statute is effective March 1, 2012.
Bench Bar
The next Probate Court Bench Bar meeting will be scheduled with the coming weeks. Watch for further information. The Agenda for the meeting will be sent to all members prior to the meeting; if you have any questions or would like to add a topic to the Agenda, please contact the HCBA at 732-4648 or admin@hcbar.org.
Pre-Trial Conference Program
The Probate Pre-Trial Conference Program is a great pro bono opportunity for attorneys to offer their services in the Probate Court. Sessions are held every other Tuesday with an occasional Thursday. We’d like to thank the following individual who volunteered for Thursdays in January:
Helena S. Friedman, Esq.
We are in need of volunteers for February 21st. Please contact Michelle at the Hampden County legal clinic to volunteer at 413-733-6500 or hampdencountylegalclinic@verizon.net.
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DISTRICT COURT
Civil Case Management Conferences
The District Court Civil Case Management Conferences will be changing the time it conducts its sessions to Tuesday afternoons at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. beginning March 6, 2012.
Notes from January 9, 2012 Bench Bar
On January 9, 2012, three representatives from the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, Jim Kelliher, the Director of the Howard Street facility, Tom Connor, the Assistant Deputy Superintendent of Classifications, and Marty Lyman, the Research Specialist Director, spoke on issues of inmate classification, pre-trial release and post-conviction early release. The presentation and follow-up discussion was very informative, inmates are classified, according to an eligibility assessment, based upon the type of crime, the criminal history, pending legal matters, the length of the sentence, and how the inmate adjusts to the institutional setting. Non-dangerous crimes include certain drug and property-related crimes, motor vehicle crimes resulting in no injuries, and crimes involving no injuries to victims or threatening harm to others. Dangerous crimes include violent and sex-related crimes, weapons-related crimes, motor vehicle crimes with injury, property crimes that convey threats, and escapes. The goal is to move inmates to a reduced security-type setting over time which, in time, hopefully reduces recidivism.
The Sheriff’s Department’s plan is to encourage re-entry of inmates, focusing on issues of safety, security and supervision, and hopefully will result in self-discipline of inmates. Approximately 85 to 90% of inmates are held at the House of Correction, either for drug and alcohol related offenses, with 73% of the population being unemployed, and 55% minorities. The House of Correction’s model focuses on addressing confrontation and responsibility rather than incapacitation.
When considering attempted pleas, take into consideration any pre-trial detainment, as part of a time served and any good time credit that has accumulated during the incarceration period.
The next District Court Bench Bar meeting is tentatively scheduled for Monday, March 5, 2012. The District Court Bench Bar meetings are open to all attorneys who practice in District Court and court personnel as well. If you have any questions or would like to add a topic to the agenda, please contact the HCBA at 732-4648 or admin@hcbar.org.
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JUVENILE COURT
Bench Bar
The next Juvenile Court Bench Bar meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. in the Holyoke Juvenile Court. The Bench Bar meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month and are open to all attorneys who practice in Juvenile Court.
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HOUSING COURT
Bench Bar
The next Western Division Housing Court bench bar meeting will be held Tuesday, February 14, 2012 in Springfield, MA at 3:30 p.m. For more information or to present agenda items contact Jonathan Kane or kane@fierstpucci.com.
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HCBA ARBITRATION/MEDIATION SERVICE
The Hampden County Bar Association Arbitration and Mediation Service maintains a roster of highly qualified lawyers and retired judges for arbitration, mediation, or case evaluations. Our panel members, as an accommodation to the Bar Association, have agreed to serve at substantially reduced rates for arbitrations, mediations or case evaluations. Indeed, many of our panel members independently mediate and arbitrate cases at higher rates. Why not conserve resources by coordinating your arbitrations or mediations through the Hampden County Bar Association? We encourage you to support your bar association by keeping the Arbitration and Mediation Service in mind for alternative dispute resolution. For a complete list of arbitrators/mediators and the type of cases they handle, please visit our website at http://www.hcbar.org/category/5292/arbitration-and-mediation.htm.
The 2012 panel registration forms have been sent out. For information about the service or becoming a member of the panel, please contact our office via email at ArbitrationMediation@hcbar.org or by calling (413) 748-7951. This information may also be obtained by visiting our website at www.hcbar.org. |
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HCBA FORECLOSURE TASK FORCE
Foreclosure Task Force
The HCBA Foreclosure Task Force would like to ask any attorney who is unable to accept a client and/or individual homeowner facing the prospect of foreclosure to refer that individual to the Hotline (322-7404) that is maintained by the Hampden County Bar Association Foreclosure Task Force and the Alliance of Providers of Legal Services to Individuals Facing Foreclosure and staffed by the Massachusetts Justice Project and the Hampden County Legal Clinic. The Hotline will arrange for the individual to meet with a volunteer attorney and seek to provide legal representation. We’d like to thank the following attorneys who assisted callers with foreclosure issues in 2011 through the Massachusetts Justice Project and the Hampden County Legal Clinic:
George E. Bourguignon, Esq.
Christopher J. Brown, Esq.
Linda A. Condino, Esq.
Dennis F. Desmarais, Esq.
Justin H. Dion, Esq.
Terry M. Ford, Esq.
Jonathan R. Goldsmith, Esq.
Eric D. Kornblum, Esq.
Carl W. Lindley, Esq.
Stephen M. Reilly, Esq.
Timothy E. Reynolds, Esq.
Louis S. Robin, Esq.
Christina M. Turgeon, Esq.
Gary M. Weiner, Esq.
Steven R. Weiner, Esq.
The Task Force welcomes additional volunteer attorneys willing to participate in the ongoing efforts to provide legal representation to those individuals facing foreclosure. Interested volunteers should contact Hampden County Legal Clinic at 413-733-6500 or hampdencountylegalclinic@verizon.net.
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LAWYER REFERRAL & INFORMATION SERVICE
The 2012 panel registration forms were due by February 1, 2012. Anyone who has not renewed their registration will be removed from rotation on February 17, 2012. For information about the LRIS program, or or an application please contact 413-732-4646 or visit our website at www.hcbar.org.
The Hampden County Bar Association's Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS) meets American Bar Association standards for lawyer referral and has a Reduced Rate Panel. Anyone interested in participating in the lawyer referral program can contact our office at 413-732-4648 or via email at lawyerreferral@hcbar.org. Within the last thirty days, attorneys have submitted over $1,735.00 in LRIS referral percentage payments a result of over $11,650.00 in client fees.
If you receive a call from a potential client looking for assistance in an area of law that you do not practice, why not refer them to the Hampden County Bar Association's Lawyer Referral & Information Service? All members of the LRIS are your experienced colleagues. Support your LRIS in providing quality referrals in our community!
LRIS Free Informational Lunch
An informative Free Lunch for attorneys on the Lawyer Referral & Information Service and attorneys interested in learning about the program will be held on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the Commissioner’s Room, 50 State Street, Springfield, MA. The program will include:
• LRIS Program Overview
• Intake & Screening Process
• Reporting Requirements
• Reduced Rate Panel
• A view from LRIS Chair and Panel Member
• Questions and Feedback from Panel Members
The program will be presented by Charles R. Casartello, Esq. of Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley, P.C., Jeffery S. Morneau, Esquire of Connor, Morneau & Olin, LLP., and Noreen E. Nardi, HCBA Executive Director.
A free pizza lunch will be served. Please RSVP to the HCBA at 732-4648 or email admin@hcbar.org.
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HAMPDEN COUNTY LEGAL CLINIC UPDATE
Office Location
In an effort to minimize expenses, the Hampden County Legal Clinic office is now located within the HCBA office, 50 State Street, Room 137. The legal clinic telephone number remains the same at 413-733-6500.
Lawyer for the Day
The Lawyer for the Day program continues to be a success due to the many volunteers who have offered their services in Western Division Housing Court on Thursdays. This is a great pro bono opportunity for area attorneys. This program benefits landlords and tenants who are income eligible. We’d like to thank the following individuals who volunteered for Thursdays in January:
Melissa Bennett, Esq.
Melissa L. Campana, Esq.
Jessica A. Levy, Esq.
Justin R. McCarthy, Esq.
Kathryn E. Muratore, Esq.
Nathan A. Tripp, Esq.
We are in need of volunteers for February 16th & 23rd. Please contact Michelle at the Hampden County legal clinic to volunteer at 413-733-6500 or hampdencountylegalclinic@verizon.net.
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CHILDREN'S LAW PROJECT
CLP Grant
The Hampden County Bar Association received an IOLTA Grant from the Massachusetts Bar Foundation in the amount of $70,000 for funding of the Hampden County Bar Association's Children's Law Project for the 2011-2012 Grant year. We are very grateful to the Massachusetts Bar Foundation for their continued support of this program.
Through this program, children receive legal representation in the Hampden County Family and Probate Court for an array of matters. The program is looking for qualified attorneys to represent these children. Attorneys are paid at a rate of $50.00 per hour with a maximum amount of $1,500.00 paid per case. With recognition that more cases are being settled and not going to trial, we have revamped our application. If you would like information regarding this worthwhile program, please contact the Children's Law Project Director, Noreen Nardi at admin@hcbar.org. For more information about the Massachusetts Bar Foundation and the good work they do, check out their website at www.MassBarFoundation.org.
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COURT HOUSE NEWS
Induction Ceremony
Members of the Hampden County Bar Association and the local legal community are invited to attend a Superior Court Induction Ceremony for John S. Ferrara on Monday, February 13, 2012 at 4pm. The ceremony will be held at the Hampden County Hall of Justice, 50 State Street, 3rd floor, Courtroom #2, Springfield. Refreshments will be served immediately following.
News from Eastern Hampshire District Court - Judge John M. Payne, Jr.
In trying to make the administrative session at the EHDC move smoothly, I would ask counsel to be in the courtroom when the daily session begins. This allows for a calculation of the schedule and to move those cases that are ready for disposition or are in need of a new date. Hopefully, this will allow the daily proceedings to move in a timely and efficient manner, which will in turn be of benefit to the Bar.
Also, I would urge all defense counsel to become familiar with the travel restrictions that are now part of the Probation Departments conditions. They are very specific and some might say draconian. For a number of defendants they will be problematic, as they and counsel attempt to resolve their case.
U.S. District Court Notice of Vacancy
The United States District Court U.S. Magistrate Judge is currently accepting applications for term law clerk for an approximately 12 month position starting August 20, 2012 in Springfield, MA. For information on how to apply, click here. Deadline for applications is February 17, 2012.
Judicial Postings
The following are Judicial Postings from the Judicial Nominating Commission, along with a link for further information.
3 Superior Court vacancies, application deadline: February 8
1 Appeals Court vacancy, application deadline: February 22
1 BMC vacancy (Roxbury), application deadline: March 5
3 District Court Clerk Magistrate vacancies: March 19
(A Juvenile Court vacancy, deadline: March 12, but is currently not live on the website. )
http://www.mass.gov/governor/administration/jnc/vacancies/vacancies-open-for-applications.html
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OTHER LEGAL COMMUNITY NEWS
Massachusetts Bar Association Community Service Award Nomination
One of the most important local awards for public service is the Massachusetts Bar Association’s Community Service Award in recognition of “caring, involved individuals, eager to use their skills for the betterment of the community.” The award is presented to an attorney who is in good standing with the Massachusetts Bar Association and is a current member of the Hampden County Bar Association who “has performed an act or acts of outstanding public service within the community.” The recipient is nominated by the HCBA Board of Directors and approved by the MBA. Nominations should be submitted to the Hampden County Bar Association by contacting Noreen E. Nardi, Executive Director, at 732-4648 or via email at admin@hcbar.org by April 2, 2012.
St. Thomas More Society Panel Discussion
The St. Thomas More Society will be hosting a social & panel discussion, "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Being Catholic But Were Afraid to Ask" on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Fort, Springfield, MA. Panelists will be Sr. Eileen Sullivan, Msgr. Christopher Connelly, Sr. Clair LaPointe & Deacon William Kern. This event is free and all are welcome. In preparation of the panel discussion please email questions in advance to Paula Trudeau at pct@efclaw.com. Light refreshments will also be served.
Senior Partners for Justice Luncheon-Save the Date
The Senior Partners for Justice next luncheon is scheduled for Tuesday, February 21, 2012. The SPJ luncheon location has changed to the Community Room at the Sovereign Bank Building, One Financial Plaza, 1350 Main Street, Springfield, MA. Watch for further details and Save the Date!
WNEU-Law & Business Center for Advancing Entrepreneurship Seminar
Western New England University Law and Business Center for the Advancing Entrepreneurship invite you to an upcoming event, "123's of Financial Literacy for Small Businesses - Managing Credit and Banking Relationship on Friday, February 3, 2012 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm at the Blake Law Center Room D. Featured speaker panelists are Leslie Lawrence, Vice President, Nuvo Bank, Thomas Creed, Community Banker and
John DeVoie ('90), Owner, Hot Table.
The 123's of Financial Literacy for Small Businesses is a complete curriculum of classes designed to help business owners with little or no business background get up to speed with useful business concepts. The classes are accessible, practical, and interactive. The program provides coverage of a wide range of important business ideas. Participants may want to attend all of the sessions to get a broad overview of business issues. However, each session will stand on its own, so an attendee may pick and choose the classes most relevant to his or her own business situation. Delivered by experts drawn from the business community and the Western New England University faculty, this program promises to deliver a lot of "bang for your buck." Cost: $20 per session. Future sessions of the series:
March 2, 2012- Introduction to Tax Issues for Small Business
April 6, 2012- Insurance - Risk Management Techniques for Small Business
To register for an event please call (413) 796-2030 or register online at www.wne.edu/lawandbusiness/events
Divorce Mediation Training
The Mediation & Training Collaborative (TMTC), in collaboration with the Holyoke Community College Center for Business & Workforce Development, is offering its 34-hour, five-session training May 3 (3-8 pm) and May 4, 5, l8 & 19 (all 9 am to 5:30 pm). This training addresses the emotional and legal aspects of divorce, including division of assets and debts, parenting issues, working with gay and lesbian couples, and mediator ethics. Pre-requisite: 30 hours Basic Mediation Training. Cost is $825 ($775 with registration postmarked by April l) fee includes coached practice sessions, manual, 8 CAFL CLEs, parking and refreshments.
For brochure or more information, contact Susan Hackney at mediation@communityaction.us or 413-475-1505. Or see www.communityaction.us/upcoming-trainings-events.html.
Northwestern District Attorney-Administrative Assistant Job Posting
The Northwestern District Attorney's Office is accepting applications for an Administrative Office Assistant in their Franklin County (Greenfield) office. Starting salary is $24,000.00 plus medical and employee benefits. Send resume, cover letter and list of references to Martha Murphy Kane, Director of Operations at Martha.murphy-kane@state.ma.us. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.
We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution
On Saturday, January 28th Easthampton High School students won the statewide competition We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution. The competition takes the form of a simulated congressional hearing where students testify as constitutional experts before a panel of judges. As winners of the competition, the students will represent Massachusetts at the 25th Anniversary We the People National Finals, held April 27- May 1, 2012 in Washington D.C. This is a great opportunity for a Western Massachusetts school and they are reaching out to the legal community to help defray the cost of traveling to Washington.
In order for the team of 10 students to compete at this prestigious event, $1,200 per student must be raised. If you would like to help the students reach their goal, checks can be mailed to Easthampton High School, c/o Kelley Brown, We The People, 70 Williston Avenue, Easthampton, MA 01027. For more information contact Patti Dougherty 413.977.3824.
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PAID ADVERTISEMENTS
Office Space - Springfield
Office space across from the new federal building. 1300 square feet of all new renovated office space. Conference room, two offices and large ante-room with area for several movable office units. Access to two restrooms and kitchen. Free parking. Voice/data ready. For more information contact K. Pellegrino at 413-746-4400 or kpellegrino@livingstonelle.com.
“All paid advertising published in this newsletter in no way constitutes approval or endorsement by the Hampden County Bar Association or by any of its members of the products and/or services advertised.”
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IMPORTANT DATES
February 9, 2012 – Bankruptcy Section Lunch
February 10, 2012 - Criminal Law Education Series
February 13, 2012 - John S. Ferrara Induction Ceremony
February 14, 2012 – Housing Court Bench Bar
February 17, 2012 - Criminal Law Education Series
February 21, 2012 - Senior Partners for Justice Luncheon
February 24, 2012 - New Lawyers Section Lunch
February 28, 2012 - LRIS Free Informational Lunch
February 29, 2012 - St. Thomas More Social & Panel Discussion
March, 2012 -Brown Bag Lunch-Employment Law
March 5, 2012 – District Court Bench Bar
March 7, 2012 - Juvenile Court Bench Bar
March 9, 2012 - Criminal Law Education Series
March 15, 2012 - Probate Court Bench Bar
May 17, 2012 - HCBA Golf Outing
June 14, 2012 - HCBA Annual Meeting & Vendor Show |
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JUDGES' SCHEDULES
The following is a list of Hampden County Judges' assignments through the end of the month. Please note that these assignments are subject to change without notice.
Hampden County Superior Court
02/6-02/10 Sweeney, Velis, Moriarty, Kinder, Page, Carey, Josephson, Agostini
02/13-02/17 Sweeney, Velis, Moriarty, Kinder, Page, Carey, Josephson, Agostini
02/20-02/24 Sweeney, Velis, Moriarty, Kinder, Carey, Josephson, Ford
02/27-03/22 Sweeney, Velis, Moriarty, Kinder, Carey, Josephson, Ford
Springfield District Court
02/1 Beattie (am), Boyle, Gordon, Mason, Payne, Sanabria-Vega, Vrabel
02/2 Beattie (am), Boyle, Gordon, Hadley, Mason, Poehler (am), Sanabria-Vega
02/3 Beattie (am), Boyle, Connly, Gordon, Hadley, Mason, Sanabria-Vega
02/6 Beattie (am), Boyle, Contant (am), Gordon, MacLeod, Mason, Mulcahy
02/7 Beattie (am), Boyle, Gordon, Hadley, Hurley (am), Mason, Payne
02/8 Beattie (am), Boyle, Connly, Gordon, Hadley, Mason, Payne
02/9 Beattie (am), Boyle, Gordon, Mason, Payne, Poehler (am), Ross
02/10 Beattie (am), Boyle, Connly (am), Gordon, Hadley, Mason, Mulcahy
02/13 Beattie (am), Boyle, Gordon, Hadley, Mazanec, Payne
02/14 Beattie (am), Boyle, Hadley, Mason, Payne, Vrabel
02/15 Beattie (am), Boyle, Connly, Gordon, Mason, Payne, Vrabel
02/16 Beattie (am), Boyle, Gordon, Hadley, Mason, Mulcahy (am), Payne
02/17 Beattie (am), Boyle, Connly, Gordon, Koenigs, Mason
02/20 No Assignment
02/21 Beattie (am), Boyle, Gordon, Hadley, Mason, Payne
02/22 Beattie (am), Boyle, Gordon, Hadley, Mason, Payne
02/23 Beattie (am), Boyle, Gordon, Hadley, Mason, Payne
02/24 Beattie (am), Boyle, Gordon, Hadley, Mason
02/27 Beattie (am) , Boyle, Connly (am), Gordon , Hadley, Mason, Sanabraia-Vega
02/28 Beattie (am), Boyle, Gordon, Hadley, Hurley (am), Mason, Sanabria-Vega
02/29 Beattie (am), Boyle, Gordon, Hadley, Koenigs, Mason, Sanabria-Vega
03/01Beattie (am), Boyle, Gordon, Hadley, Mason, Poehler (am), Sanabria-Vega
03/02 Beattie (am), Boyle, Gordon, Hadley, Koenigs, Mason, Vrabel
Palmer District Court
02/1 Poehler
02/2 Poehler (pm)
02/3 Poehler
02/6 Poehler
02/7 Poehler
02/8 Poehler
02/9 Non-Region 6 Judge, Poehler (pm)
02/10 Poehler
02/13 Masonr
02/14 Gordon
02/15 Hadley
02/16 Mulcahy (pm)
02/17 Mulcahy
02/20 No Assignment
02/21 Poehler
02/22 Poehler
02/23 Poehler (pm)
02/24 Poehler
02/27 Poehler
02/28 Poehler
02/29 Poehler
03/1 Poehler (pm)
03/2 Sanabria-Vega
Westfield District Court
02/1 Contant
02/2 Contant
02/3 Contant
02/6 Contant (pm)
02/7 Contant
02/8 Contant
02/9 Contant
02/10 Contant
02/13 Contant (pm)
02/14 Contant
02/15 Contant
02/16 Contant
02/17 Contant
02/20 No Assignment
02/21 Contant
02/22 Contant
02/23 Contant
02/24 Mulcahy
02/27 Contant
02/28 Contant
02/29 Contant
03/1 Contant
03/2 Contant
Chicopee District Court
02/1 Hurley
02/2 Hurley
02/3 Hurley
02/6 Hurley
02/7 Hurley (pm)
02/8 Hurley
02/9 Hurley
02/10 MacLeod, Walsh
02/13 Sanabria-Vega
02/14 Sanabria-Vega
02/15 MacLeod
02/16 MacLeod
02/17 Sanabria-Vega
02/20 No Assignment
02/21 Hurley, Walsh
02/22 Hurley, Walsh
02/23 Hurley, Walsh
02/24 Hurley, Walsh
02/27 Hurley
02/28 Hurley (pm)
02/29 Hurley
03/1 Hurley
03/2 Hurley
Holyoke District Court
02/1 MacLeod, Walsh
02/2 MacLeod, Walsh
02/3 MacLeod, Walsh
02/6 Hadley, Sanabria-Vega
02/7 Sanabria-Vega, Walsh
02/8 MacLeod, Sanabria-Vega
02/9 Sanabria-Vega, Walsh
02/10 Sanabria-Vega, Walsh (pm)
02/13 Contant, Walsh
02/14 Walsh
02/15 Mulcahy (am), Walsh
02/16 Sanabria-Vega, Walsh
02/17 MacLeod, Walsh
02/20 No Assignment
02/21 Sanabria-Vega
02/22 Koenigs, Sanabria-Vega
02/23 Poehler (am), Sanabria-Vega
02/24 Sanabria-Vega
02/27 MacLeod, Walsh
02/28 Connly, MacLeod
02/29 MacLeod, Walsh
03/1 Connly, Walsh
03/2 Connly, Walsh
Hampden County Probate Court
02/1 Hyland, Sacks, Rainaud
02/2 Hyland, Sacks, Fidnick
02/3 Hyland, Sacks
02/6 Fuller, Hyland
02/7 Fuller, Hyland
02/8 Fuller, Hyland
02/9 Fuller, Hyland, Fidnick
02/10 Fuller, Hyland
02/13 Geoffrion, Fuller, Hyland, Sacks
02/14 Geoffrion, Fuller, Hyland, Sacks
02/15 Geoffrion, Fuller, Hyland, Sacks
02/16 Geoffrion, Fuller, Hyland, Sacks
02/17 Geoffrion, Fuller, Hyland, Sacks
02/20 No Assignment
02/21 Geoffrion(am), Fuller, Sacks
02/22 Geoffrion, Fuller, Sacks
02/23 Geoffrion, Fuller, Sacks
02/24 Geoffrion, Fuller, Sacks
02/27 Geoffrion, Fuller, Hyland, Sacks
02/28 Geoffrion, Fuller, Hyland, Sacks
02/29 Fuller, Hyland, Sacks
Springfield Juvenile Court
02/1 Swords, Eaton
02/2 Swords, Eaton
02/3 Swords, Eaton, Phillips
02/6 Swords, Eaton
02/7 Swords, Eaton, Phillips
02/8 Swords, Eaton
02/9 Swords, Eaton
02/10 Swords, Phillips
02/13 Swords, Eaton, Phillips
02/14 Eaton, Phillips
02/15 Swords, Eaton
02/16 Swords, Eaton
02/17 Swords, Eaton, Phillips
02/20 No Assignment
02/21 Swords, Eaton, Phillips
02/22 Swords, Eaton
02/23 Swords, Eaton
02/24 Swords, Phillips
02/27 Eaton, Phillips
02/28 Eaton, Phillips
02/29 Swords, Eaton
03/1 Swords, Dunbar, Eaton
03/2 Dunbar, Belsky, Eaton, Phillips
Holyoke Juvenile Court
02/1 Locke
02/2 Phillips
02/3 Locke
02/6 Locke
02/7 No Assignment |
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