The Latest on the Law: Updates from the Boston Bar

Intro to ESG- What You Need to Know and Looking Ahead

Environmental and Social Governance (“ESG”) has become a fast-growing topic in environmental law and a top priority for companies.  Come hear from lawyers practicing in this space, as they provide a general overview and a look ahead into the future for ESG. (4/11/2023)

Questions? Inquiries about program materials? Contact Alan I. Johnson at ajohnson@bostonbar.org

Stay Ahead of the Game – Essential Online Marketing Tactics for Law Firms

Are you struggling to keep up with the rapid shift in online marketing? We'll reveal the top four essentials of successful online marketing for law firms--and give you concrete steps to improve your website, maximize social media, gather reviews, and stay top-of-mind with clients and referrals. Don't fall behind your competitors - these marketing strategies are now a must-have for any successful law firm. Register now to transform your marketing game. (4/11/2023)

Questions? Inquiries about program materials? Contact Alan I. Johnson at ajohnson@bostonbar.org

Fundamentals of an Investment Advisory & Investment Company Legal Practice

This program will provide an overview of the federal laws and regulations governing registered investment companies and investment advisers. (4/11/2023)

Questions? Inquiries about program materials? Contact Alan I. Johnson at ajohnson@bostonbar.org

U Visa Basics: U Visa Process, Removal Defense for U Visa Petitioners

Join the BBA for a training that will cover the basics of preparing and filing U Visa petitions with USCIS for eligible non-citizens. Immigrants who are victims of qualifying crimes and who are helpful to a law enforcement agency are eligible to petition for U nonimmigrant status with USCIS.  This training will provide a basic overview of the U visa eligibility requirements and filing process, how U visa relief impacts immigrants in removal proceedings, and the U visa certification process in Massachusetts under MGL 258F. (4/11/2023)

Questions? Inquiries about program materials? Contact Alan I. Johnson at ajohnson@bostonbar.org

 

The Lis Pendens Statute

The panel will discuss the mechanics and impact of a Lis Pendens on property, from both the transactional and litigation perspectives. (4/6/2023)

Questions? Inquiries about program materials? Contact Alan I. Johnson at ajohnson@bostonbar.org

 

Preparing Estate Tax Returns, Fiduciary Income Tax Returns, and Gift Tax Returns

This program will provide an overview of the federal estate tax return (Form 706) and the federal gift tax return (Form 709), which are used to report and pay tax on bequests and lifetime gifts and are an integral part of estate planning and administration. This presentation will cover the general purposes and structure of the forms, as well as provide tips for preparing them. (4/5/2023)

Questions? Inquiries about program materials? Contact Alan I. Johnson at ajohnson@bostonbar.org

 

Campus Bias Response Teams – Benefits, Risks and Practical Guidance

Bias incident reporting has proliferated on campuses across the nation. Bias response teams serve as a clearinghouse for these incidents and provide support to students and community members who may have experienced a bias-motivated incident. While bias teams have been generally well-received, there are some who are concerned that many reported bias incidents involve speech protected under the First Amendment.  This program will help counsel to navigate the balance between upholding the ideals of a college’s or university’s anti-bias culture with its commitment to free speech. (4/4/2023)

Questions? Inquiries about program materials? Contact Alan I. Johnson at ajohnson@bostonbar.org

Securities Enforcement Priorities Focusing on Insider Trading and New Rules

Join us at the BBA for a lunch program that will cover the SEC’s and DOJ’s continued focus on insider trading, tailored to reflect current trends, including novel legal theories (like shadow insider trading), areas of emphasis (such as 10b5-1 trading plans), and new rules (such as insider trading policy and procedures disclosure obligations).  The program will be led by two SEC Market Abuse Unit (the specialized investigative unit that focuses on insider trading) alumni—Caitlyn Campbell and Eric Forni—and will be joined by the SEC’s Boston Regional Office Regional Director (and former market abuse unit assistant director)—Silvestre Fontes—and the Chief of the Securities, Financial, and Cyber Fraud Unit, Stephen Frank. (4/4/2023)

Questions? Inquiries about program materials? Contact Alan I. Johnson at ajohnson@bostonbar.org

What to Do If Someone Has a Record? Employment Law Implications of Criminal History

Many employees and job applicants have had interactions with the criminal legal system at some point in their lives. State and federal laws provide rights and limitations in this area. What options are available to workers if a background check will show CORI information, and what are best practices for employers in deciding what questions to ask and what to do with criminal history information? This program will provide insight into the information available under the CORI law, including options for sealing or expunging records; protections available to individuals with a record of criminal charges; and guidance for employers to deal with these issues responsibly. (3/30/2023)

Questions? Inquiries about program materials? Contact Alan I. Johnson at ajohnson@bostonbar.org

Everything in Moderation – Free Speech and Online Content

Content moderation on social media platforms has been a hot topic since 2016. Social media platforms struggle to balance respect for free speech with the need to create a compelling social space that minimizes toxicity and misinformation. The complexity of content moderation is partly driven by user demand and political pressure, but ultimately by the social media platform's need to ensure that users keep logging in. This session will discuss how businesses are navigating the complex constitutional questions relating to state rights, free speech, the role of politics in business, and the influence of a small group of billionaires in making these decisions. (3/30/23)

Questions? Inquiries about program materials? Contact Alan I. Johnson at ajohnson@bostonbar.org