MCLE ThisWeek Podcast

MCLE ThisWeek | S2 E8: Top 5 from the Bench: A Conversation with Judges Beverly Cannone and Catherine Ham

In this episode:Host Bruce Richard sits down with Superior Court Judges Beverly Cannone and Catherine Ham for an engaging and positive discussion about trial practice from the judges’ perspective. Rather than focusing on common pitfalls, they highlight the five things attorneys do in the courtroom that they truly value. With humor, candor, and decades of combined courtroom experience, Judges Cannone and Ham offer practical advice on:Why emotional intelligence and civility matter as much as legal knowledgeThe importance of honesty, candor, and building a reputation for integrityHow preparation — especially for younger lawyers — sets the foundation for successThe role of professionalism and formality in establishing credibility in courtRespecting jurors’ time and maintaining focus on the client’s case This conversation provides attorneys with concrete, real-world guidance to strengthen advocacy, build trust with judges, and enhance courtroom effectiveness. Featured Guests:Judge Beverly Cannone, Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Superior Court, longtime public defender, and veteran trial advocacy teacher at Harvard Law School and MCLE.Judge Catherine Ham, Associate Justice of the Superior Court and former Assistant District Attorney in Suffolk County’s Homicide Unit, with years of trial experience in criminal and civil law. Links and Resources:MCLE Online Pass Important Note:Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing high-quality, practical continuing legal education for the legal community. As part of its educational mission, MCLE presents a wide range of viewpoints and instructional content intended solely for educational purposes.The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by individual participants in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of MCLE, its Board of Trustees, staff, or affiliated institutions. Inclusion of any material or commentary does not constitute an endorsement of any position on any issue by MCLE.For questions or sponsorship inquiries, email podcast@mcle.org Connect with us on social!Instagram: mcle.newenglandLinkedIn: Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE│New England)X (Formerly Twitter): MCLENewEnglandBluesky: mclenewengland.bsky.socialFacebook: MCLE New England

MCLE ThisWeek | S2 E7: MassHealth Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction with Brian E. Barreira

In this Episode:Host Bruce Richard sits down with elder law attorney and MCLE author Brian E. Barreira to separate fact from fiction in long-term care and MassHealth planning. In a wide-ranging discussion packed with practical insights, Brian highlights three critical issues that all legal practitioners, and their clients should better understand:Why going on MassHealth doesn’t mean receiving inferior nursing home careThe surprising benefits of probate for married couples and how it can protect assetsWhen putting a house or assets into a trust helps—and when it can actually hurtWith clarity and candor, Brian challenges conventional estate planning advice and explains why thoughtful, individualized strategies are essential when planning for long-term care costs in Massachusetts.Featured Guest:Brian E. Barreira is a nationally respected elder law and estate planning attorney based in Plymouth, Massachusetts. With decades of experience, he has authored numerous articles and leads MCLE’s flagship publication Elder and Disability Law in Massachusetts, where he also serves as chief editor. Brian’s thoughtful, nuanced approach helps clients and practitioners alike navigate the often confusing intersection of healthcare planning, tax consequences, and legal safeguards.Links and Resources:MCLE Online PassElder and Disability Law in Massachusetts (MCLE Publication)Brian E. Barreira, Attorney at Law – Official WebsiteImportant Note:Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing high-quality, practical continuing legal education for the legal community. As part of its educational mission, MCLE presents a wide range of viewpoints and instructional content intended solely for educational purposes.The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by individual participants in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of MCLE, its Board of Trustees, staff, or affiliated institutions. Inclusion of any material or commentary does not constitute an endorsement of any position on any issue by MCLE.For questions or sponsorship inquiries, email podcast@mcle.org.0LlIb5MRwElfpwP62CjK Connect with us on social!Instagram: mcle.newenglandLinkedIn: Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE│New England)X (Formerly Twitter): MCLENewEnglandBluesky: mclenewengland.bsky.socialFacebook: MCLE New England

MCLE ThisWeek | S2 E6: When 50/50 Doesn’t Cut It: Equity v. Equality in Divorce with Jonathan Fields

In This Episode:Host Bruce Richard sits down with seasoned family law attorney Jonathan P. Fields to explore how the concept of fairness in divorce often requires more than a 50/50 split. Together, they discuss:When and why “equal” doesn’t always mean “fair” in asset divisionThe impact of trusts, inheritances, and premarital assetsConduct-based arguments in high-conflict divorcesCreative strategies for navigating inequitable circumstancesThe evolving influence of the Alimony Reform Act on property division Featured Guest:Jonathan P. Fields is a founding partner of Fields & Dennis LLP in Wellesley, Massachusetts, where he focuses on complex family law matters including divorce, asset division, and alimony. A recognized voice in the field, Jonathan frequently presents at MCLE and other legal education forums, offering practical guidance on equitable distribution, financial strategies in divorce, and ethical advocacy.With more than 30 years of experience and a passion for exploring the human side of legal conflict, Jonathan brings both analytical rigor and thoughtful perspective to this often-contentious area of practice. Links and Resources:MCLE Online PassFields & Dennis LLP – Official WebsiteIdentifying & Proving When 50/50 Isn't FairM.G.L. Chapter 208, Section 34 – Division of PropertyAlimony Reform Act of 2011 Important Note:Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing high-quality, practical continuing legal education for the legal community. As part of its educational mission, MCLE presents a wide range of viewpoints and instructional content intended solely for educational purposes.The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by individual participants in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of MCLE, its Board of Trustees, staff, or affiliated institutions. Inclusion of any material or commentary does not constitute an endorsement of any position on any issue by MCLE.For questions or sponsorship inquiries, email podcast@mcle.org.  Connect with us on social!Instagram: mcle.newenglandLinkedIn: Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE│New England)X (Formerly Twitter): MCLENewEnglandBluesky: mclenewengland.bsky.socialFacebook: MCLE New England

MCLE ThisWeek | S2 E5: Borders, Rights, and the Rule of Law: Immigration Basics Every Lawyer Needs to Know with Rachel M. Self

In This Episode:Host Bruce Richard sits down with renowned attorney Rachel M. Self to explore the fast-evolving landscape of immigration law in the United States and what every lawyer should know to be a better advocate for non-citizen clients. Together, they discuss:Navigating emergency ICE detention and court winsResponding to the Martha’s Vineyard migrant flightsUnderstanding immigration status categories every lawyer should knowFeatured Guest:Rachel M. Self is a nationally recognized immigration and criminal defense attorney practicing in Boston. As the founder of Rachel M. Self, P.C., she focuses on complex deportation defense, post-conviction relief, and crimmigration matters. Fluent in Spanish, Rachel has appeared as a legal analyst on CNN and Fox News and was instrumental in mobilizing legal support for the 49 migrants flown to Martha’s Vineyard in 2022.Her advocacy in that case earned her national recognition, including Honorable Mention as a Bostonian of the Year by The Boston Globe Magazine. Rachel is also a frequent speaker for MCLE, AILA, and judicial education programs across the country.Links and Resources:MCLE Online PassRachel M. Self P.C. - BostonNational Immigration AllianceImportant Note:Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing high-quality, practical continuing legal education for the legal community. As part of its educational mission, MCLE presents a wide range of viewpoints and instructional content intended solely for educational purposes.The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by individual participants in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of MCLE, its Board of Trustees, staff, or affiliated institutions. Inclusion of any material or commentary does not constitute an endorsement of any position on any issue by MCLE.For questions or sponsorship inquiries, email podcast@mcle.org. Connect with us on social!Instagram: mcle.newenglandLinkedIn: Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE│New England)X (Formerly Twitter): MCLENewEnglandBluesky: mclenewengland.bsky.socialFacebook: MCLE New England

MCLE ThisWeek | S2 E4: New Lawyer Diaries: Insights and Lessons Learned with Hope Simas

In This Episode:Host Bruce sits down with family law attorney Hope Simas from Kates & Barlow to discuss:What it was like handling her first deposition and contested hearingHow new lawyers can navigate different partner expectationsThe reality of courtroom nerves, client reactions, and finding confidenceHer experience as ARC (Attorneys Representing Children) counselFavorite de-stressing methods—plus a deep dive into cooking cevicheFeatured Guest:Hope SimasFamily Law Attorney, Kates & Barlow - BostonARC Appointed Counsel (Suffolk County)Don’t Miss:Tips for building early-career confidence in lawWhat it’s really like to represent a child in family courtHope’s reflections on rewarding custody cases and how she resets after tough daysLinks and Resources:MCLE Online PassImportant Note:Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing high-quality, practical continuing legal education for the legal community. As part of its educational mission, MCLE presents a wide range of viewpoints and instructional content intended solely for educational purposes.The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by individual participants in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of MCLE, its Board of Trustees, staff, or affiliated institutions. Inclusion of any material or commentary does not constitute an endorsement of any position on any issue by MCLE.For questions or sponsorship inquiries, email podcast@mcle.org. Connect with us on social!Instagram: mcle.newenglandLinkedIn: Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE│New England)X (Formerly Twitter): MCLENewEnglandBluesky: mclenewengland.bsky.socialFacebook: MCLE New England