MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT JOSEPH M. PACELLA

Please consider making whatever arrangements are needed in order to hear U.S. District Court Judge William Young speak at Judge’s Night on April 2nd at the Log Cabin.  Judge Young is a vivacious speaker with a storied career, including many famous criminal cases, including the “Big Dan” rape case (which was the inspiration for the Jodie Foster movie - The Accused), the Richard Reid shoe bomber case and the Boston Strangler case.  Judge Young is a staunch advocate for our trial by jury system and federal sentencing reform.  Judge Young has sat on many high profile patent cases, where his innovative trial techniques have been studies and have gained international attention.  [Patent trials are divided into three phases where evidence is limited to (1) validity, (2) infringement and, then, (3) damages.  Each phase has a separate opening statement conducted by the accused infringer in the first phase and the patentee in the 2nd and 2rd phases. Sign up now as I anticipate a record attendance of judge’s and lawyers.

Our Executive Director, Noreen Nardi, has had the unique and difficult challenge of having to replace both of her excellent, long-term assistants this year all while running the ever growing and active Bar Association (and in the midst of this turmoil she also found time to speak at a National conference for executive directors in Las Vegas).  I know that we, the Board of Directors, are all impressed with Noreen’s skill and effort in this regard, which can best be described as a mechanic performing an oil change on a NASCAR engine without ever stopping or even slowing during the race.  As a result, I want to use this month’s message to introduce you to a number of new faces at the Bar Association as well as the role that each of them has taken on.

Michelle LaPlante was the Hampden County Legal Clinic Administrative Assistant and is now in charge of the Lawyer Referral & Information Service and events.

Jennifer Redfern came from a law office in Holyoke and is now responsible for the Hampden County Legal Clinic.  Jennifer coordinates all of the Lawyer for the Day programs and volunteer opportunities for our members!

Lynne McMillan came from a law office in Palmer and is handling the Arbitration/Mediation and Education programs, as well as assisting with all of our many events!

Please stop by to say hello and welcome our new staff!

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS

The Hampden County Bar Association would like to welcome the following attorneys and students as new members:        

MEMBER BENEFITS

What is an HCBA membership worth?
Here are just a few examples…
Save 15 percent on all HCBA CLE's and Brown Bag Lunch Seminars

NEW MEMBER BENEFIT - THE COLONY CLUB MEMBERSHIP

A special invitation has been extended to the members of the Hampden County Bar Association.  Effective February 1, 2013, The Colony Club will be accepting membership applications from qualified HCBA members.  A reduced initiation fee of $200.00 will be in effect for HCBA Members who submit a completed application by March 31, 2013 and meet The Colony Club membership requirements.  A limited number of memberships are available.  For more information contact Heidi Edwards at (413) 732-4101.

Hall of Justice Member Conveniences:
Photocopier Benefits
We have a copier in our lobby for use by our members while at the Hampden County Hall of Justice. Many of our members have already taken advantage of this useful benefit. All you need to get started is your user code. If you would like to have your code emailed to you, please click here to send us an email.

Computer Terminal w/Internet Access & Wireless Internet
Members have access to the computer terminal in our lobby that is equipped with Internet service, Microsoft Office and a printer. For those members with laptops, we also have the wireless router that we installed for our members who would like to access the Internet. Both of these services are available exclusively to our members. Please stop in or e-mail us at admin@hcbar.org to obtain the password.

Exclusive Sponsors/Vendors

ProShred ~ http://www.proshred.com/

20 % of Shredding Services ~ click here for prices before discount.
Click here for the ProShred pamphlet

Insurance Services thru Millbrook Benefits, Axia Group & LePage Financial Services ~ http://www.millbrookbenefits.com/home.htm

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 has custom designed insurance solutions to meet your specific needs.
Click here for more details

AXIA Insurance Benefits Reminder for Members

Are you sure that your Insurance coverage is correct? You need to know this before you need the coverage. AXiA offers a free coverage analysis for:
Personal Insurance
Auto, home umbrella
Business Insurance
Professional
Property and liability
Automobile
Workers compensation
Life & Health
Disability
In addition you can sign up for notifications to alert you when:
• Your inspection sticker is due
• Your license is up for renewal
• Or your registration is due to renew
.......And it's free!
On certain polices we have an additional discount of 5% only for members of the Hampden Bar Association! For more information, contact the AXia Group at 413-205-AXia(2942).

Hampden Bank ~ https://www.hampdenbank.com/

Click here for a brochure on 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.

Pensions & Benefits Associates, Inc. ~ http://www.manta.com/c/mm27bp8/pension-benefits-assoc-inc

Reduce plan document fee
Reduce base in per participant rates

Elm's Cleaners ~ http://www.manta.com/c/mm2zlsy/elms-cleaners-expert

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)

Member Discount Programs

Save 25 percent on any website packages through ESQSites123.com
We are pleased to announce that the HCBA has formed an alliance with EsqSites123.com to provide member benefits to all of our members. EsqSites123.com provides attorneys with low cost website design and hosting packages. As a member of the HCBA, you are entitled to a 25% savings on any of their already low-priced website packages! For more information, please visit our member page at http://esqsites123.com/jumpPage/hcba/.

LexisNexis HCBA Discount Program
The Hampden County Bar Association has partnered with LexisNexis to offer:
20 percent discount on new subscriptions to LexisNexis Matthew Bender Publications and Annotate Laws of Massachusetts:

20 percent discount on new LexisNexis Online Research Subscriptions
30 percent discount on LexisNexis Total Practice Advantage Subscriptions
HCBA members receive a free practice profile listing in Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory

For more information contact Suzanne Supina at (860) 604-8633 or via email at suzanne.supina@lexisnexis.com.

Save 20% on UPS Shipping through Unishippers. Hampden County Bar Association is pleased to announce a new Member Benefit Program offered by Unishippers/UPS! This member benefit allows members of the Hampden County Bar Association, currently spending $10,000 or less per year on their shipping needs, to receive a 20% discount through the Unishippers/UPS program. Click here for a brochure.

Before any pricing can be offered, each account must be approved by UPS to receive the discounted rate. Signing up is easy. To see if you are eligible, please send an e-mail inquiry to marketing.support@unishippers.info providing your name, address, phone and e-mail address, or call 1.800.713.2111. Make sure to indicate that you are a member of the Hampden County Bar Association. If you qualify, an account number will be assigned and you'll receive a Welcome Packet via e-mail. Simply follow the instructions for use and start saving 20% on each and every package you send!

Save 15 percent on American Bar Association web store purchases including books, CLE course materials and other products - enter code PAB6EHCB upon checkout For further information on what is available, click here to visit the ABA WebStore.

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 - the Hampden County Bar Association is pleased to present an opportunity to its members to apply for a quality individual disability insurance policy from Standard Insurance Company at a 10% discount. The Protector+ SM3 individual disability income insurance is guaranteed renewable and includes many excellent benefits. It can be customized with optional riders and benefit periods to meet your needs. For more information contact Financial Management Systems at 413-736-5550 or email Mickey Savoy at msavoy2001@msn.com or Javad Darouian at jdarouian@gmail.com.

Catuogno Court Reporting & StenTel Transcription Services is offering the Hampden County Bar Association members a special rate on their Legal Transcription service. They have five offices across Massachusetts and Rhode Island with spacious conference rooms available for all of your deposition, client meetings, arbitrations and videoconferencing needs. With locations in Springfield, Worcester, Boston, Chelmsford and Providence, Catougno Court Reporting & Stentel Transcriptions is the convenient solution for all of your legal support services. Take advantage of the following discounts using your Hampden County Bar Membership to reduce costs and increase your bottom line:

• 10% discount on depositions;
• 10% discount on transcription services;
• 10% discount on video conferencing services; and
• 10% discount on statements and interviews by phone with transcript.

Additional 10% discount when you become a member of the "Lawyers Conference Center"

Contact Sten-Tel Inc. website at http://www.stentel.com/ or call (888) 228-8646 to take advantage of your special Hampden County Bar Association Member Benefit. If you have limited staff or if you want to save money, you will want to hear about their transcription services!

Save 15 percent discount 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 sysop@robertjgregory.com

MEMBER INFO

The Governor's Council recently confirmed the appointment of Edward J. McDonough as a Hampden County Superior Court judge.  Congratulations on this accomplishment!

Attorney L. Alexandra Hogan of Shatz, Schwartzc & Fentin was recently appointed to represent Western Massachusetts on the State Bankruptcy Court Diversity Committee.  Congratulations Attorney Hogan!

Law Office of James F. Donnelly has relocated his office as of March 4, 2013 to 1252 Elm Street, Suite 26, West Springfield, MA 01089,  his contact number are:  office  (413) 285.8353 and  fax (413) 746.6279.

Many thanks to Egan, Flanagan & Cohen, P.C. for the use of their conference room on February 7, 2013 for an Experts in Residence Seminar.

We are pleased to announce that Attorney Michael J. Chernick has recently been reappointed as Public Administrator for Hampden County.

Congratulations to the following Hampden County Bar Association members who won tickets to the Falcons hockey team home games for the month of February: Attorney Cary Szafranski, Attorney Gina M. Letellier, Attorney Dennis P. Powers, Attorney Scott B. Burg, Attorney Jennifer L. Cava, and Attorney Joseph M. Pacella.   Go Falcons!

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

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 "care, 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 1, 2013.

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:

Elizabeth G. Dineen, Esq. - Chair-Criminal Justice Department/Bay Path College
Captain C. Lee Bennett - Capt of Operations/Springfield Police Department
Hyman G. Darling, Esq. - Bacon Wilson, P.C.
Mr. Erik Smelser - Law Firm MArketing Specialist at LexisNExis
Mr. James Kelleher - Asst Superintendent of the WM Correctional Alcohol Center

UPCOMING SEMINARS 

March 21, 2013 -  Brown Bag Lunch:

Pension Laws & Reform - 1pm - 2pm
Presenters: Robert T. Santaniello, Esquire, Santaniello & Santaniello, LLC
                   Julianne Bartley, Executive Director of the Hampden County Regional Retirement Board
Location: Egan, Flanagan & Cohen, PC, 67 Market Street, Springfield
Click here to register

March 26, 2013 -  Brown Bag Lunch:

Personal Injury Law Round-Up & Civil Practice Case Law Update - 1pm - 2pm
Presenters: John F. Burke, Esquire, Morrison, Mahoney, LLP
                   John J. McCarthy,  Esquire, Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy, P.C.
Location: Hampden County Hall of Justice, Commissioner's Room,  50 State Street, 2nd Floor, Springfield.

Click here to register.

MORE UPCOMING SEMINARS…Watch for Details

Brown Bag Lunch Seminar:

April 11, 2013 - Preparing for the Upcoming Boom in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Criminal Law Education Series:

For a handout from the March 4, 2013 Criminal Brown Bag lunch on "Western Massachusetts Women's Correctional Center"  click here.

Superior Court View from the Bench
Ludlow Jail Policies and Procedures

PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT SERIES - Real Life Lawyering

The third installment of the Practice Development Series, "Getting Help In Preparing for Your First Trial" will be held on Monday, March 11, 2013 from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. in the Commissioner's Room, 50 State Street, 2nd Floor, Springfield.   Presenters are Attorney Charles R. Casartello, Jr. and Attorney Thomas A. Kenefick, III.  This installment is being sponsored by Attorney Joseph M. Pacella and offered free of charge.  Click here for registration form.

The Practice Development Series  discusses "Real Life Lawyering". The series objective is to support lawyers, particularly new practitioners, solo practitioners and members of small firms, to improve professional skills, increase collegiality and decrease the business, liability ethical and health risks of practice. These sessions will traditionally be held on the 2nd Monday of the month, 1pm – 2pm and are being offered free of charge.  Lunch will be provided.

Upcoming Session Dates and Topics:

April 8, 2013 – Dealing with Difficult Adversaries
May 13, 2013 - Business Development, Networking & Marketing

UPCOMING EVENTS/EVENT FOLLOW UP

NEW LAWYERS SECTION

New Lawyers Section Lunch

The New Lawyers’ Section next monthly luncheon will be held on Friday, March 22, 2013 at Spoleto's, 84 Center Square, East Longmeadow, MA at 1:00 p.m.  Please RSVP to Andrea Momnie at amomnie@hendelcollins.com so reservations can be made.

REAL ESTATE SECTION

The next Real Estate Section lunch will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at Red Rose Pizzeria at 12:00 p.m.  The guest speaker will be Mr. Paul J. Briganti, Vice President, New England Land Survey, Inc. and Mr. James Smith, Chief Surveyor, New England Land Survey, Inc., who will discuss,  "Flood Plain Changes and How to Stop Real Estate Closings from Falling Through Due to the High Cost of Flood Insurance".   This lunch is sponsored by New England Land Survey, Inc. and is open to ALL members of the HCBA and recent bar admittees. Click here to register.

BANKRUPTCY SECTION

Thank you to Attorney Steven Weiss who lead and informal lead an informal discussion about avoiding mortgages at the recent bankruptcy lunch on February 28, 2013. The next Bankruptcy Section lunch will be held in May.  Watch for further details!

PROBATE & FAMILY COURT

Bench Bar Notes

The next Probate Court Bench Bar meeting will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 4:00 p.m.  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.

Volunteer Opportunities

The Probate Court Bench Bar Sub-Committee on Volunteer Opportunities has developed a calendar that gives a brief description of the various volunteer programs, along with the dates that volunteers are needed in the Probate & Family Court. The programs include Conciliation and LAR/Lawyer for the Day opportunities.

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 individuals who volunteered for Thursdays in February:  

Gene Friedlander, Esq.
Helena S. Friedman, Esq.
Claudette-Jean Girard, Esq.
Michael J. Grilli, Esq.
Diana Valez-Harris, Esq.
Kathleen A. O'Malley, Esq.
Anthony J. Scibelli, Esq.
Stanley A. Szlachetka, Esq.

We are currently in need of volunteers for the following:

Lawyer for the Day: March  11th, 15th, 18th, 20th, 22nd and 25th.

HBA Limited Assistance Representation:

Courtroom 3: March 18th and 25th

Conciliation: Courtroom 1: March 18th, and 25th
                       Courtroom 2: March 10th
                       Courtroom 3: March 12th and 18th
                      

DOR Contempt's: Courtroom 2: March 14th
                              Courtroom 4: March 28th

If you would like more information regarding the programs requirements or a complete list of the available dates, please contact Jennifer at the Hampden County Legal Clinic at hampdencountylegalclinic@verizon.net or 413-733-6500.

DISTRICT COURT

The next District Court bench bar meeting will be held on Monday, March 18, 2013. The agenda will include discussion about the recent state crime/drug lab issue involving state crime chemists Anne Dookhan and Sonja Farak.  Attorney Terry Nagle will lead the discussion with a power point presentation.  In addition, ADA Jane Montori will comment on the proposed amendment to Mass. R. Crim. P. 12.  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

Lawyer for the Day-District Court

The Lawyer for the Day program continues to be a success due to the many volunteers who have offered their services in District Court on Wednesdays and 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 Wednesdays and Thursdays in February:

Steven R. Weiner, Esq.
Lillian Gray, Esq.
Melissa K. Long, Esq.
Charles R. Casartello, Jr., Esq.
Tyson R. Ence, Esq.
Dennis F. Desmarais, Esq.
James F. Gregory, Esq.
Dorothy Varon, Esq.
Alexis Alvarado, Esq.
Patricia A. Zak, Esq.

We are currently in need of volunteers for  the following dates:

March 13th- 1:00 to 4:00
March 14th- 9:00 to 1:00 and 1:00 to 4:00
March 20th- 9:00 to 1:00 and 1:00 to 4:00
March 21st- 9:00 to 1:00
March 27th- 9:00 to 1:00 and1:00 to 4:00
March 28th- 9:00 to 1:00 and 1:00 to 4:00

If you would like to volunteer, please contact Jennifer at the Hampden County legal clinic at 413-733-6500 or hampdencountylegalclinic@verizon.net.

JUVENILE COURT

The next Juvenile Court Bench Bar meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 1:00 p.m.  The Bench Bar meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month and are open to all attorneys who practice in Juvenile Court.

HOUSING COURT

Bench Bar

The next Western Division Housing Court bench bar meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 @ 3:30 at the Springfield Housing Court,   For more information or to present agenda items contact Jonathan Kane or kane@fierstpucci.com.

Lawyer for the Day-Housing Court

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 February:

Lauren M. Marcous, Esq.
Rachel Rothman, Esq.
Nathaniel A. Tripp, Esq.
Steven R. Weiner, Esq.

We are currently in need of volunteers for  the following dates: March 21st and 28th If you would like to volunteer, please contact Jennifer at the Hampden County legal clinic at hampdencountylegalclinic@verizon.net or 413-733-6500.

HCBA ARBITRATION & MEDIATION SERVICE

The Hampden County Bar Association Arbitration & Mediation Service is pleased to announce that our service has been approved as a qualified  ADR Program for the Hampden County Superior Court, approved by Superior Court Chief Justice Barbara J. Rouse, as well as a qualified ADR provider for the Western Division Housing Court Department, approved by Housing Court Chief Justice Steven D. Pierce.  As a provider of court connected dispute resolution services, the Hampden County Bar Association Arbitration & Mediation Service will be listed on the Superior and Housing Courts' list of approved programs from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2015.

The Hampden County Bar Association Arbitration & Mediation Service maintain 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 2013 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.

LAWYER REFERRAL & INFORMATION SERVICE

The 2013 panel registration forms were mailed out.  Anyone who has not renewed their registration was removed from rotation on February 28, 2013. If you did not receive a renewal application or for more information about the LRIS program, 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 month, attorneys have submitted over $4,832 in LRIS referral percentage payments a result of over $32,000 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!

HAMPDEN COUNTY LEGAL CLINIC

The Hampden County Legal Clinic has been busy coordinating volunteers for programs in District, Housing and Probate Courts as well as handling foreclosure intake calls.  This would not be possible without the financial support from Massachusetts Mutual. If you are interested in volunteering for any of these programs, please contact Jennifer at the Hampden County legal clinic at hampdencountylegalclinic@verizon.net. or 413-733-6500.

CHILDREN'S LAW PROJECT

The Hampden County Bar Association received an IOLTA Grant from the Massachusetts Bar Foundation in the amount of $59,000 for funding of the Hampden County Bar Association's Children's Law Project for the 2012-2013 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. For more information about the Massachusetts Bar Foundation and the good work they do, check out their website at http://www.massbarfoundation.org.

OTHER LEGAL COMMUNITY NEWS

Networking Invitation
The members of the Hampden County Bar Association are invited to a Networking Night being hosted by the New England Law | Boston Student Bar Association. The event will be at Rock Bottom Brewery on Stuart Street in Boston from 5-8 pm on March 26th. It will include a free beer sampling, some free food, and a chance to interact with other attorneys and New England Law|Boston students.  For more information about the event you can contact Erin Gaudreau JD Candidate, 2014 New England Law | Boston (401) 301-9181.

InPractice Connecticut

The Hampden County Bar Association is please to announce that we will be an event partner for InPractice Connecticut which will be held at The Hilton Hartford, 315 Trumbull St, Hartford on Thursday, May 2, 2013.   Join the hundreds of attendees expected for the InPractice Conference. You'll learn about emerging technologies and new opportunities for law firms at the largest practice management event in southern New England.  Save the Date!  For more information about in practice visit their website at www.inpracticect.com

Northwestern District Attorney - Job Posting
The NW District Attorney's office has a position open for an ADA-Child Abuse Unit, A Child Abuse Unit Assistant District Attorney's (CAU ADA) primary function is to be the principal CAU litigator responsible for handling the majority of the CAU litigation.  For more information and application requirements, log onto http://www.northwesternda.org/employment-opportunities.

Scholarships Available for Local Students Pursuing Law Degree
The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts invites students residing in Northampton and pursuing law degrees to apply for "The Richard W. and Florence B. Irwin Scholarship" and law students from Hampden County may apply for the "Jacob and Celia Richmond Fund" scholarship.  Last year the Community Foundation awarded $2 million in scholarships and loans to 844 individuals.  Access to these scholarships and loans can be achieved through completing one online application available at www.communityfoundation.org.  Applications and all supporting materials must be postmarked by Friday, March 29, 2013.

Senior Partners for Justice West Luncheon
The Senior Partners for Justice next luncheon will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Sovereign Bank Community Room, 3rd Floor, 1350 Main Street, Springfield, MA.   Guest speaker will be The Honorable David A. Mills (Ret.), Massachusetts Appeals Court.    To RSVP contact Pat Walsh-Ollari at (413) 322-7430 x513 or pwalsh@majp.org.

Lawyer for the Day Training for the Hampshire County Housing Court Project

The Women's Bar Foundation along with the Hampshire County Bar Association will be holding a training seminar for the Hampshire County Housing Court Lawyer for the Day program on Monday, March 18, 2013 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.  The seminar will be hosted by Community Legal Aid at 20 Hampton Avenue, Suite 100, Northampton.  Space is limited and registration is required.  The Hampshire County Housing Court was created in response to the Hampshire County Housing Court's please to local attorneys to help reduce the number of unrepresented people in Housing Court.  Space is limited and registration is required.  Please rsvp to Rebecca Ryan, hcba@crocker.com by March 11, 2013.

PAID ADVERTISEMENTS

No Paid Advertisements this month.

IMPORTANT DATES   

March 11, 2013 - Practice Development Series-"Getting Help Preparing for Your First Trial"
March 12, 2013 - Real Estate Section Lunch
March 14, 2013 - Probate Court Bench Bar
March 18, 2013 - District Court Bench Bar Meeting
March 21, 2013 - Brown Bag Lunch - "Pension Laws & Reform"
March 26, 2013 - Brown Bag Lunch - "Personal Injury Law Round-Up & Civil Practice Case Law Update"
April 2, 2013 - Judges Night
April 5, 2013 - Real Estate Section "Meet & Greet"- A Touch of Garlic Restaurant
April 8, 2013 - Practice Development Series - "Dealing with Difficult Adversaries"
April 9, 2013 - Real Estate Section Lunch
April 11, 2013 - Brown Bag Lunch - "Preparing for the Upcoming Boom in Chapter 7 Bankruptcy"
April 30, 2013 - Housing Court Bench Bar
May 1, 2013 - Law Day
May 2, 2013 - InPractice Connecticut Conference
May 13, 2013 - Practice Development Series - "Business Development, Networking & Marketing"
May 16, 2013 - HCBA Golf Outing - SAVE THE DATE!
June 13, 2013 - HCBA Annual Meetin

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    

3/11 - 3/15 Carey, Sweeney, Josephson, Page, Ferrara,
3/18 - 3/22 Carey, Sweeney, Josephson, Page, Ford, Ferrara
3/25 - 3/29 Carey, Sweeney, Josephson, Page, Ford, Ferrara
 

Hampden County Probate Court 

3/11 Crawford, Fuller, Geoffrion, Sacks
3/12 Crawford, Fuller, Geoffrion, Sacks
3/13 Fuller, Geoffrion, Crawford
3/14 Fuller, Geoffrion, Crawford
3/15 Fuller, Geoffrion, Crawford

3/18 Fuller, Crawford
3/19 Fuller, Sacks, Crawford
3/20 Fuller, Sacks, Crawford
3/21 Fuller, Sacks, Geoffrion, Crawford
3/22 Fuller, Sacks, Geoffrion, Crawford

3/25 Fuller, Sacks, Geoffrion, Crawford (PM)
3/26 Fuller, Sacks, Crawford
3/27 Fuller, Sacks
3/28 Fuller, Sacks, Geoffrion
3/29 Fuller, Sacks, Geoffrion, Crawford

Springfield District Court

3/11 Beattie, Boyle, Contant (AM), Hurley, Murphy, Poehler
3/12 Beattie, Boyle, Hadley, Mason (AM), Pellegrini, Poehler
3/13 Beattie, Boyle, Gordon, Hurley, Mason, Poehler
3/14 Beattie, Gordon, Hadley, Mulcahy (AM), Murphy, Poehler
3/15 Beattie, Gordon,  Hadley, Poehler

3/18 Beattie, Boyle, Gordon, Groce, Hadley, Hurley, Koenigs
3/19 Beattie, Boyle, Gordon (AM), Hadley, Hurley, Mason (AM), Pellegrini
3/20 Beattie, Boyle, Gordon, Hadley, Hurley, Koenigs, Mason
3/21 Beattie, Boyle, Gordon, Groce, Hadley, Hurley (AM), Sanabria-Vega
3/22 Beattie, Boyle, Gordon, Groce, Hadley, Koenigs, Murphy

3/25 Beattie, Boyle, Contant (AM), Gordon, Hadley, Hurley, Poehler
3/26 Beattie, Boyle, Gordon, Hadley, Murphy, Pellegrini, Poehler
3/27 Beattie, Boyle, Gordon, Hadley, Hurley, Mason, Poehler
3/28 Beattie, Boyle, Gordon, Hadley, Hurley (AM), Koenigs, Poehler
3/29 Beattie, Boyle, Gordon, Groce, Hurley, Murphy, Poehler

Palmer District Court

3/11 Mulcahy
3/12 Mulcahy
3/13 Sanabria-Vega
3/14 Mulcahy (PM)
3/15 Mulcahy

3/18 Mulcahy
3/19 Sanabria-Vega
3/20 Mulcahy
3/21 Mulcahy (PM)
3/22 Mulcahy

3/25 Mulcahy
3/26 Mulcahy
3/27 Murphy
3/28 Mulcahy (PM)
3/29 Mulcahy

Westfield District Court

3/11 Contant (PM)
3/12 Contant
3/13 Contant
3/14 Contant, Non-Region 6 Judge
3/15 Contant

3/18 Contant
3/19 Contant, Mulcahy (AM)
3/20 Contant
3/21 Contant, Pellegrini
3/22 Contant

3/25 Contant (PM)
3/26 Contant
3/27 Contant
3/28 Contant
3/29 Koenigs

Chicopee District Court

3/11 Mason
3/12 Mason (PM)
3/13 Koenigs
3/14 Mason
3/15 Murphy

3/18 Mason
3/19 Mason (PM)
3/20 Murphy
3/21 Mason
3/22 Mason

3/25 Mason, Koenigs
3/26 Mason, Sanabria-Vega
3/27 Groce, Sanabria-Vega
3/28 Groce
3/29 Mason

Holyoke District Court

3/11 Sanabria-Vega, Walsh
3/12 Gordon, Walsh
3/13 Goggins, Pellegrini
3/14 Pellegrini, Walsh
3/15 Pellegrini, Sanabria-Vega

3/18 Sanabria-Vega, Walsh
3/19 Groce, Murphy
3/20 Pellegrini, Sanabria-Vega
3/21 Mulcahy (AM), Walsh
3/22 Hurley, Sanabria-Vega

3/25 Sanabria-Vega, Walsh
3/26 Sanabria-Vega, Walsh
3/27 Pellegrini, Walsh
3/28 Murphy, Walsh
3/29 Sanabria-Vega, Walsh

Springfield Juvenile Court

3/11 Swords, Belsky, Eaton, Phillips
3/12 Swords, Belsky, Eaton, Phillips
3/13 Swords, Belsky, Eaton
3/14 Swords, Eaton, Phillips
3/15 Belsky (AM), Phillips

3/18 Swords, Belsky, Phillips
3/19 Swords, Belsky, Eaton, Phillips
3/20 Belsky, Eaton
3/21 Swords, Belsky, Phillips
3/22 Swords, Belsky

3/25 Swords, Belsky, Eaton, Phillips
3/26 Swords, Belsky, Eaton
3/27 Belsky, Eaton
3/28 Eaton, Phillips
3/29 Swords, Belsky, Eaton

Holyoke Juvenile Court

3/11 Locke
3/12 No Assignment
3/13 Locke
3/14 Belsky
3/15 Eaton

3/18 Eaton
3/19 No Assignment
3/20 Swords
3/21 Eaton
3/22 Phillips

3/25 Locke
3/26 No Assignment
3/27 Locke
3/28 Belsky
3/29 Locke

Western Housing Court

3/11 Fein
3/12 Fields
3/13 Fein
3/14 Fields, Crampton-Kamukala
3/15 Fein

3/18 Fields
3/19 Fein, Fields
3/20 Fein
3/21 Fields, Crampton-Kamukala
3/22 Fields

3/25 Fein
3/26 Fein, Fields
3/27 Fields
3/28 Fields, Crampton-Kamukala
3/29 Fein