In this episode of MCLE This Week, host Bruce Richard sits down with family law attorney Tyler Summers, founder of Summers Family Law, to explore how lawyers can leverage social media to build their practices, establish credibility, and connect authentically with potential clients. With over 50,000 Instagram followers (@bostonfamilylawyer), Tyler shares candid insights on what works — and what doesn’t — when lawyers step into the world of online content creation. From viral moments to ethical pitfalls, Tyler opens up about his journey from hesitant experimenter to confident legal influencer.

In this special episode of MCLE This Week, host Bruce Richard is joined by Superior Court Judges Beverly Cannone and Catherine Ham for a candid, uplifting conversation about the top five things lawyers do in the courtroom that judges appreciate most. From professionalism and preparation to civility and candor, the judges share insights that every trial attorney can put into practice.

In the latest episode of MCLE ThisWeek, host Bruce Richard sits down with veteran elder law attorney and MCLE author Brian E. Barreira for a candid discussion on one of the most misunderstood areas in legal planning: MassHealth eligibility and long-term care. Brian unpacks why going on MassHealth doesn’t mean second-rate care, how probate—often avoided—can actually protect assets for married couples, and why placing a home in a trust might not always be the safest move. With real-world examples and decades of experience, Brian offers practical, sometimes surprising guidance that challenges conventional estate planning wisdom and helps attorneys avoid costly missteps when advising aging clients.

In this episode of MCLE ThisWeek, host Bruce Richard sits down with family law attorney Jonathan P. Fields to challenge the default assumption that equal division of assets is always fair in divorce proceedings. Drawing from over three decades of experience, Fields explores the legal distinction between equity and equality under Massachusetts law. He walks listeners through when and why a 50/50 property split may not serve justice, especially in cases involving inherited assets, trusts, dissipation, or long-term separations.

In the latest episode of MCLE ThisWeek, host Bruce Richard sits down with immigration and criminal defense attorney Rachel M. Self to unpack the legal and human impact of today’s immigration system. Rachel shares her experience navigating emergency ICE detention cases, the legal fallout from the Martha’s Vineyard migrant flights, and the due process challenges facing non-citizen clients. She also outlines key immigration status categories that every lawyer, regardless of practice area, should understand, while offering practical tips for advocating more effectively in a shifting legal landscape. From courtroom strategy to constitutional concerns, this episode sheds light on the evolving intersection of immigration, enforcement, and the rule of law.

In the fourth episode of MCLE ThisWeek, we continue our New Lawyer Diaries series with Hope Simas, a family law attorney at Kate & Barlow. Hope shares her journey navigating early years in practice—her first deposition, solo hearings, COVID-era law school, and learning to adapt to multiple partner styles. From practical tips for building courtroom confidence to reflections on custody cases and representing children as ARC counsel, Hope offers a candid, insightful look at what it's really like to start a legal career today.

In the third episode of the revamped MCLE This Week podcast, host Bruce Richard speaks with entrepreneur and AI expert Brendan McSheffrey. Brendan discusses his work on the Kendall AI Project, a groundbreaking initiative to bridge the gap between AI innovation in Kendall Square and the broader business community. He shares insights on how legal professionals can effectively adopt AI, emphasizing a problem-driven approach and the importance of continuous improvement. The episode demystifies AI's role in legal work, from optimizing contracts to leveraging ChatGPT and other AI tools for everyday tasks.

In the third episode of the revamped MCLE ThisWeek podcast, host Bruce Richard speaks with Shira Diner, a seasoned public defender, legal educator, and advocate, about the transition from law school to real-world legal practice. As a Lecturer and Clinical Instructor at Boston University School of Law’s Defender Clinic, Shira mentors law students as they take on real clients and navigate the complexities of the criminal legal system. She shares her expertise on experiential learning, the importance of courtroom experience, and how new lawyers can develop confidence and resilience in their first year of practice. From mock trials to self-care strategies, this episode is essential listening for any aspiring attorney.

In the first episode of the revamped MCLE This Week podcast, host Bruce Richard sits down with legal industry consultant Jared Correia. Jared shares his journey from practicing attorney to legal business consultant and podcaster, offering practical advice for solos and small firms. From data management to marketing strategies and tips on scaling law practices efficiently, Jared blends humor and insight in this engaging conversation. Plus, there’s a lighthearted discussion about his favorite candy, Rolos. Tune in for actionable consulting tips, entertaining anecdotes, and a fresh perspective on running a modern law firm.

Welcome to Season 2 of MCLE ThisWeek! Join our host, Bruce Richard, as we kick off an exciting new season packed with fresh insights and essential updates for the legal community. This preview episode gives you a glimpse of what’s ahead—don’t miss it!

The Land Court is the forum of choice for many real estate law practitioners, and this program will show you why. In this episode, we’ll explore the court’s jurisdiction, highlighting its similarities and differences with other departments of the Trial Court. We’ll also cover the court's role in administering the Commonwealth’s registered land system, handling tax foreclosure cases, and overseeing servicemembers’ mortgage cases. Additionally, we’ll dive into the broader scope of judicially managed 'miscellaneous' cases, which include topics such as mortgage reformation, partition, zoning and subdivision appeals, the permit session, adverse possession, specific performance, easements, restrictive covenants, and encumbrances, among others. We hope you are enjoying the holidays with family and friends!

Mindfulness provides new ways to respond to the inherent complexities of a busy and fast-paced career, and supports people in living life more fully, with greater ease and joy, learn about tools and strategies that can improve your life and cultivate greater resilience, self-kindness, focus, and well-being.

The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) ensures mental health and substance use disorder benefits are treated no less favorably than medical/surgical benefits in group health plans. Employers must ensure compliance with parity rules, which regulate copayments, deductibles, visit limits, prior authorizations, and medical necessity criteria.

When circumstances change, so might the needs of a business—including its form of entity. This episode explores the critical considerations for transitioning between entity types, such as shifting from an LLC to a corporation to attract venture capital, restructuring to share equity, or addressing tax strategies for early losses. Gain insights into the key factors and drafting decisions that can guide clients through this complex process.

In June 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Counterman v. Colorado, overturning a stalking conviction based on hundreds of Facebook messages sent to a local female musician. The Court found that Colorado’s stalking statute, which used an objective standard for threatening communications, violated constitutional free speech protections. It held that the government must prove the defendant’s subjective intent to threaten, requiring at least a reckless mental state for a criminal conviction based on speech. The decision marked a significant shift in the law surrounding “true threats,” an exception to First Amendment protections.

The legal professional stands at the threshold of a new age brought on by the development and introduction of generative artificial intelligence (AI) applications that promise to revolutionize the practice of law. Much has been said by practitioners, technology consultants, and legal pundits about the implications of AI for the practice of law, but what do the courts think? This moderated, one-hour program offers the perspectives of three sitting Massachusetts state court judges as to how AI is impacting, and is likely to impact, the operations of our state courts now and in the foreseeable future.

Over the last 50 years, it’s become common for real estate and estate planning clients to hold title to property in trust. However, varied trust forms and the reliance on trustee certificates rather than full trust documents can create title issues, especially when original trustees have passed away or become incompetent. This podcast explores common title issues in trust-held properties, why they arise, and how to resolve them for seamless conveyance of trust property.

This episode focuses on the delicate balance between vigorous advocacy and maintaining clear, respectful communication in legal practice when representing a wronged spouse. It explores techniques for presenting strong arguments while upholding professionalism and civility, both in and out of the courtroom. Attendees will learn strategies for managing high-stakes interactions, defusing conflicts, and fostering constructive dialogue with clients, opposing counsel, and the court—all while preserving the integrity of the legal process.

Happy Halloween from MCLE! Dive into the critical skills needed for effective title examination and attorney review in real estate transactions. This episode explores the ins and outs of conducting a thorough title search, analyzing title reports, curing title issues, and understanding key underwriting requirements.

Ever since ChatGPT made its debut in November 2022, the world has been abuzz about artificial intelligence (AI). In this episode, we discuss and demonstrate some AI built into tools that you may already have, plus some that can be useful right away. While keeping ethics, IP, security, and robot overlords in mind, how can AI help you to get things done faster? Join the Director of the North Carolina Bar Association Center for Practice Management, Catherine Sanders Reach, and author of the new Legal Mind AI blog and Practice Management Advisor for the Oklahoma Bar Association Management Assistance Program, Julie A. Bays, as we explore practical and strategic uses of AI in your practice.