MCLE ThisWeek Podcast
Education & Explainer
About
MCLE ThisWeek is your direct line to the legal insights that matter most in 2026. Featuring purposeful conversations with leading experts, each episode delivers the practical strategies and timely analysis you need to keep your practice ahead of the curve. Stay at the forefront of your profession with the voice of the New England legal community, only with MCLE New England.
Episodes
- MCLE ThisWeek | S2 E14: Inside MCLE: Building Your Professional Identity Through Teaching and Leadership
Mark shares a candid look at the nonlinear path that led him to become Executive Director of MCLE, highlighting how resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to pursue new opportunities shaped his career. From working in finance and high…
- MCLE ThisWeek | S2 E13: From Law School to Fenway: Sports Law Careers with Mandy Petrillo and Cameron Hammel of Fenway Sports Group
Mandy and Cameron break down what it actually takes to build a career in sports law and why there is no single path in. Mandy highlights the role of persistence, networking, and starting in a non-attorney position, while Cameron shares how…
- MCLE ThisWeek | S2 E12: The Art of Objections and the Business of Law with Mike Sams of Bowditch & Dewey
Mike shares how his firm’s transition to Bowditch & Dewey marked a strategic shift toward greater depth, stability, and long-term growth. He reflects on the realities of law firm mergers, the importance of cultural fit, and why thoughtful,…
- MCLE ThisWeek | S2 E11: Client Experience as a Growth Strategy: Turning Every Client Interaction into a Referral and Reputation Builder with Chris Earley
Chris shares how the pandemic prompted a fundamental shift in how he viewed his role as a lawyer — from focusing primarily on results to becoming deeply intentional about how clients feel at every stage of representation . He explains why…
- MCLE ThisWeek | S2 E10: Borders, Rights, and the Rule of Law: What Every Lawyer Needs to Know About ICE with Robin Nice
In this episode: Host Bruce Richard sits down with immigration attorney Robin Nice for an in-depth discussion about the legal and human realities of ICE enforcement in the United States. With over a decade of experience representing asylum…
- MCLE ThisWeek | S2 E9: Likes, Followers, Clients: Growing Your Law Practice on Social Media with Tyler Summers
In this episode: Host Bruce Richard interviews Tyler Summers, a Massachusetts family law attorney who has grown a strong social media following by producing engaging, informative, and often humorous content about divorce, prenups, and fami…
- 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,…
- 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, B…
- 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…
- 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 cl…
- 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 hearing How new lawyers can navigate different partner expectations The…
- MCLE ThisWeek | S2 E3: AI for Skeptical Lawyers with Brendan McSheffrey
In This Episode: Host Bruce Richard sits down with Brendan McSheffrey to explore: The Kendall AI Project’s mission to make AI accessible and actionable for businesses and legal professionals. Practical tips for attorneys on getting started…
- MCLE ThisWeek | S2 E2: New Lawyer Diaries: Law School to Real Life with Shira Diner
In This Episode: Host Bruce Richard sits down with Shira Diner to explore: How BU Law’s Defender Clinic gives students hands-on experience with real clients The biggest challenges and misconceptions law students have about public defense S…
- MCLE ThisWeek | S2 E1: Top Tips for Solos and Small Firms with Jared Correia
In This Episode: Host Bruce sits down with legal consultant Jared Correia to discuss: How he transitioned from practicing law to running Red Cave Law Firm Consulting. Simple strategies to help solo and small law firms thrive, including tip…
- MCLE ThisWeek | S2 E0: Preview
We’re thrilled to bring you fresh perspectives and essential updates from the legal community as this new era of MCLE ThisWeek kicks off. Our revamped podcast features a Q&A style format with guests from across the legal spectrum. We'll ex…
- Land Court History & Jurisdiction
Hon. Gordon H. Piper of the Massachusetts Land Court explains the land court's history and jurisdiction in the state, excerpted from MCLE's 4/10/2024 live webcast: Lawyer's Roadmap to the Land Court . The full program is available as an on…
- The Lawyer Brain and Why Mindfulness Is Important for the Legal Profession
Tracey Meyers of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL | MassLOMAP) and Bernardo Gustavo Cuadra from the Office of the Attorney General Nonprofit Organizations/Public Charities Division discuss mental health awareness for lawyers, excerpted f…
- For Employers: Is Your Plan Compliant and What Is Your Liability if It Is Not?
Mala M. Rafik of Rosenfeld & Rafik explores MHPAEA's requirements, practical implications for employees, and key compliance tips for employers, excerpted from MCLE's 3/21/2024 live webcast: Understanding How the Mental Health Parity & Addi…
- What Happens if I Have to Change My Form of Entity?
Joshua E. French and Elizabeth S. Meyers of Nutter McClennen & Fish, discuss what to consider when faced with the possibility of changing form of entity for a business, excerpted from MCLE's 6/10/2024 live webcast: LLC v. Corporation Decis…
- Caselaw on True Threats Before Counterman
Chichi Lee of the Middlesex District Attorney's Office as they dive into the details of the decision and explore its implications for both First Amendment jurisprudence and practical issues in criminal and civil law, excerpted from MCLE's…
- What is Happening with AI in the Courts
Hon. Lee M. Peterson of the Probate and Family Court, John F. Weaver of McLane Middleton, Hon. Michael D. Brennan, Taunton District Court, and Hon. Brian A. Davis of the Superior Court, Business Litigation Session, give you the latest on A…
- Trustees 101: Basics of Trustee Roles, Powers, and Property Authority
Scott J. Clifford, of Lipsey & Clifford and Ward P. Graham, of Westcor Land Title Insurance Company, cover the basics surrounding trust concepts, excerpted from MCLE's 5/21/2024 live webcast: Conveying Title from Trusts The full program is…
- Balancing Advocacy and Effective Communication While Maintaining the Spirit of Civility
Norman I. Jacobs of Esdaile, Barrett, Jacobs & Mone, details the delicate balance of assertiveness and civility in the courtroom while defending a wronged spouse, excerpted from MCLE's 4/8/2024 live webcast: Zealous Representation of the A…
- Title Search and Attorney’s Title Review
Amanda S. Eckhoff of Robinson+ Cole LLP, and Tracie M. Kester of Stewart Title Guaranty Company break down best practices for ensuring smooth real estate closings and optimal title insurance coverage, excerpted from MCLE's 4/4/2024 live we…
- More About Generative Artificial Intelligence
Catherine Sanders Reach from North Carolina Bar Association and Cary Julie A. Bays, JD of the Oklahoma Bar Association talk about the process of onboarding new estate planning clients, excerpted from MCLE's 3/4/2024 live webcast: Does Chat…
- The Hiring Process
Andrea Evans Zoia, of Morgan Brown & Joy and Michelle M. De Oliveira, of Kenney & Sams detail ways to help you avoid any issues during the hiring process, excerpted from MCLE's 3/14/2023 live webcast: Avoiding HR Landmines That Can Lead to…
- Massachusetts Professional Ethical Rules of Engagement
Frank S. Maniscalco, Esq., of Advocate Mercantile LLC in Boston details the professional ethical rules of engagement, excerpted from MCLE's 4/23/2024 live webcast: Drafting More Effective & Flexible Contracts. The full program is available…
- Toxicology for Lawyers: Drug & Alcohol Testing
Nathan Tamulis, Esq., Committee for Public Counsel Services, Boston teaches you how to interpret results (and knowing when to consult with an expert) from these methods and analyses, excerpted from MCLE's 4/2/2024 live webcast: Toxicology…
- Using AI in an Immigration Firm
Jared Jaskot of Jaskot Law in Baltimore discusses how to ethically and effectively use artificial intelligence (AI) in an immigration firm, excerpted from MCLE's 6/6/2024 live webcast: Practical Uses for AI in Trial Preparation & Legal Pra…
- Engagement Letter & Joint Representation
Christopher A. Voukides and Nikolaus S. Schuttauf of Day Pitney LLP talk about the process of onboarding new estate planning clients, excerpted from MCLE's 5/1/2024 live webcast: Onboarding Estate Planning Clients . The full program is ava…
- Defining Income in Divorce
Marc D. Bello, of Willamette Management Associates, Alexander D. Jones, Esq., and Wendy O. Hickey, Esq. of Brick, Jones, McBrien & Hickey LLP, dive into how to define income during a divorce, excerpted from MCLE's 11/1/2023 live webcast: A…
- Pitfalls for Termination Notices
Michael J. Louis, Esq., of Downing Van Dyke LLC, and James F. Creed, Jr., Esq., CREEDLAW LLC, detail what to watch out for when dealing with termination notices, excerpted from MCLE's 10/27/2023 live webcast: How to Prepare Notices to Quit…
- Strategies for Coping with the Return to "Normal": Office Environments
Laura Keeler, of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers and Christopher F. Earley, Esq., from the Law Office of Christopher Earley help you navigate the new normal of the office environment post COVID-19, excerpted from MCLE's 10/31/2023 live webca…
- Tolling the Statute of Limitations and Other Procedural Issues That Can Derail an Employment Case
Beth R. Myers, Esq., of Burns & Levinson LLP, details Tolling the Statute of Limitations and Other Procedural Issues That Can Derail an Employment Case, excerpted from MCLE's 10/24/2023 live webcast: Ways to Toll the Statute of Limitations…
- Triage for Financially Distressed Companies
Amy A. Zuccarello, Esq., of Sullivan & Worcester LLP, Boston explains how to address triage for financially stressed companies, excerpted from MCLE's 10/26/2023 live webcast: Restructurings & Workouts for Business Lawyers . The full progra…
- Cell Site Location Info in Your Criminal Case
Nina S Lewin, Esq., explains how cell cite location can and cannot be used in criminal cases, excerpted from MCLE's 10/24/2023 live webcast: Criminal Lawyer’s Data Harvesting Lab: Gathering & Contest . The full program is available as an o…
- What Vexatious Litigation Does/Does Not Mean
Emily C. Shanahan, Esq., of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, PC, defines what is and what is not vexatious litigation, excerpted from MCLE's 10/25/2023 live webcast: Identifying & Handling Vexatious Litigation . The full program is available…
- What Estate Planners Need to Know About Prenups
Molly R. Soiffer, Esq, of Bove & Langa, PC, Christopher H. Suh, Esq., of The Wagner Law Group, and Claire K. Forkner, Esq., of Lee & Rivers LLP dive into what estate planners need to understand when dealing with prenuptial agreements, exce…
- Handling Unique Assets in Prenups & Divorce: Collections
Melissa A. Levine-Piro, Esq., of Hera Law Group explain how unique assets like collections can be handled in prenuptial agreements, excerpted from MCLE's 11/29/2023 live webcast: Handling Unique Assets in Prenups & Divorce . The full progr…
- Case Selection and Filing Considerations
Edward A. Rice, Esq., of Broderick Bancroft & Saccardi and Joel H. Feldman, Esq., of Heisler & Feldman, PC, detail the criteria that should be considered in order to select good tenant cases, excerpted from MCLE's 10/23/2023 live webcast:…
- Cash Requirements
Ann DeLuca, CPA, of Numeric Advantage LLC discusses explains the importance of cash requirements in law firm accounting, excerpted from MCLE's 10/17/2023 live webcast: Mastering Law Firm Accounting . The full program is available as an on-…
- Legal Framework: What Case Law Tells Us About the Impact of Good (and Not-So-Good) Investigation Practices
Kavita M. Goyal, Esq., of Rosen & Goyal, PC and Gregory A. Manousos, Esq., of Morgan, Brown & Joy LLP go into detail about how case law impacts workplace investigations, excerpted from MCLE's 10/18/2023 live webcast: Conducting Effective W…
- Purpose and Scope of Buy-Sell Agreements
John D. Colucci, Esq., of McLane Middleton, Professional Association, shares insight on the purpose that buy-sell agreements serve, excerpted from MCLE's 10/12/2023 live webcast: Deconstructing & Negotiating Buy-Sell Agreements . The full…
- Sentencing, Probation & Parole: DOC/HOC
Lee J. Gartenberg, Esq., of the Middlesex Sheriff's Office and Charles W. Anderson, Jr., Esq., of the Department of Corrections (DOC) discuss the probation officer’s role in sentencing and how to leverage new programs and services in sente…
- What Kind of State is Witness State?
J. Nathan Cole, Esq., of Kenney & Sams, PC, in Boston breaks down What Kind of State is Witness State?, excerpted from MCLE's 10/12/2023 live webcast: Out-of-State Subpoenas & Interstate Discovery . The full program is available as an on-d…
- Expanding the Powers of a Conservator
Melissa A. Howitt, Esq., of Doherty, Dugan, Cannon, Raymond & Weil, PC discusses expanding the powers of a conservator, excerpted from MCLE's 11/2/2023 live webcast: Guardianship & Conservatorship: MCLE BasicsPlus!® . The full program is a…
- Business Tax Returns
Marc D. Bello, CPA, of Willamette Management, Alexander D. Jones, Esq. and Wendy O. Hickey, Esq. of Brick, Jones, McBrien & Hickey LLP explain business tax returns, excerpted from MCLE's 10/25/2023 live webcast: Basic Financial & Tax Conce…
- State of the Land Court and Recent Developments
Hon. Gordon H. Piper shares expert insight into recent land court developments, excerpted from MCLE's 10/17/23 live webcast: Meet the Land Court Judicial Forum 2023 . The full program is available as an on demand webcast or an MP3 here . G…
- How Client Engagement Fits into Intake
Luz A. Carrion, Esq., and Laura Keeler of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers share their insights on client engagement and intake, excerpted from MCLE's 10/11/23 live webcast: When, Why & How of Client Engagement & Conclusion of Representation…
- Analyzing an Employment Case
Michelle M. De Oliveira, Esq., Kenney & Sams, PC, in Southborough breaks down how to analyze employment cases in this podcast, excerpted from MCLE's 10/4/2023 live webcast: How to Analyze & Frame an Employment Case . The full program is av…