2015 Women`s Bar Association Annual Report

Women’s Bar Association
2015 Annual Report
Committed to Achieving the Full and Equal Participation of Women in the Legal Profession and in a Just Society
27 School Street, Suite 500 | Boston, MA 02108 | 617.973.6666 | www.womensbar.org
2016 WOMEN’S BAR ASSOCIATION
NEWLY ADMITTED ATTORNEYS RECEPTION
MARCH 24, 2016
Welcome
Justice Fernande R.V. Duffly, Associate Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts
Legislator of the Year
Senator Daniel A. Wolf, Cape & Islands District
President’s Remarks
Kristin W. Shirahama, WBA President, Bowditch & Dewey, LLP
Closing Remarks
Pattye Comfort, Executive Director, Women’s Bar Association
Annual Report Editor
Brianna Sullivan, Plaistow Public Library and On Point Legal Solutions
WBA Staff
Pattye Comfort, Executive Director
Maura Bastarache, Membership & Communications Manager
Kimberly Phillips, Operations Manager
Elizabeth Yows-Johnson, Administrative Assistant
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Legislator Of The Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Special Thanks To The WBA’s Corporate Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2015-2016 WBA Board Of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
WBA Emeritus Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
WBA Past Presidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
WBA Lifetime Patron & Lifetime Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
WBA Firm Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Legislative Policy Committee Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2016 Legislative Breakfast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Women’s Leadership Initiative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
2015 Summer Associate, Law Clerk, and Intern Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2015 Trials Facing Women Litigators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
The Benefits Of WBA Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Women’s Bar Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
WBA Committee Reports 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
WBA Male Member Initiative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . inside back cover
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WELCOME
The Honorable Fernande R.V. Duffly
Fernande R.V. Duffly, Associate Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, was born in Indonesia on December 10, 1949. She received her B.A. from the University of Connecticut in
1973, and her J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1978. Justice Duffly began her legal career
in 1978 as an attorney in the litigation department of the Boston law firm then known as
Warner and Stackpole.
Justice Duffly served on the Probate and Family Court from 1992-2000; the Massachusetts Appeals Court from 2000 to 2011; and was appointed as an Associate Justice of the
Supreme Judicial Court on February 1, 2011, by Governor Deval Patrick.
As an attorney, she provided pro bono legal services to indigent clients through the Volunteer Lawyers Project. She has served on the Boston Bar Association’s committees on pro se litigation and attorney volunteerism;
the Probate and Family Court’s committee on pro se access to the courts; the ABA subcommittee on representation of children; and the Supreme Judicial Court’s Standing Committee on substance abuse.
She is a member and past President of the National Association of Women Judges. A member of the American Bar Association, she is NAWJ’s delegate to the House of Delegates and has been appointed as a Commissioner serving on the ABA’s Commission on the Status of Women in the Profession.
Justice Duffly has written articles and taught seminars on various topics, including appellate decision-making, family law, trusts, and parental rights. A frequent speaker, she often speaks on topics related to ensuring
access to justice and increasing diversity in the courts. Justice Duffly has received the Distinguished Service
Award from the Probate Judge’s Association; the Distinguished Jurist Award from the Massachusetts Association of Women Lawyers; and the Trailblazer Award from the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association.
She has also been recognized as a Diversity Hero by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly and was named a 2008
Woman of Justice, an award co-sponsored by Lawyers Weekly, the Women’s Bar Association and Massachusetts
Association of Women Lawyers. In 2011, the ABA Business Law Section through its subcommittee Women
Business Advocates presented Justice Duffly with its annual award honoring a female judge who has contributed to the advancement of women in the legal profession.
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LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR
SENATOR DAN WOLF
Each year, the Women’s Bar Association recognizes a legislator who has demonstrated
a commitment to public service and support of the advancement of women in the legal
profession and society with our Legislator of the Year Award. This year, we are proud to
recognize Senator Dan Wolf.
Senator Wolf is a third-term Massachusetts State Senator representing the Cape and
Islands District. He is also the Founder and Chief Executive Officer for Cape Air in Hyannis, Massachusetts.
After graduating from Wesleyan University with a bachelor’s degree in political science, he moved to Cape
Cod to earn his private and commercial pilot licenses. He has worked as a community and union organizer in
the Boston area and managed the Chatham Municipal Airport, where he also worked as a flight instructor and
aircraft mechanic.
In 1988, Senator Wolf and a handful of others founded Cape Air and Nantucket Airlines. They began with
six employees and one airplane flying one route. Cape Air is currently one of the largest independent regional
airlines in the country, serving dozens of communities and hundreds of thousands of passengers annually in
regions as diverse as Key West, rural Missouri, upstate New York, and Guam. Cape Air employs nearly 1,000
people and is one of the largest employers in the region. Senator Wolf is acting CEO and continues to stay current with his Air Transport Pilot license, flying as a pilot for Cape Air when his schedule permits.
Within the Massachusetts Senate, Senator Wolf serves as the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Labor
and Workforce Development. Last legislative session, he actively worked on the state’s historic minimum wage
and unemployment insurance reforms, one of the nation’s first Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights, and legislation
to strengthen the enforcement of Massachusetts wage laws.
As a business and community leader, Senator Wolf has served on many of the region’s most important
non-profit and civic organizations, including the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce (as President for one term),
the Association to Preserve Cape Cod, the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod, Housing Assistance Corporation, the
executive committee of the Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank, the Federal Reserve Bank’s board of advisers,
and many others. Under his leadership, Cape Air has received recognition for being one of the most philanthropic companies in southeastern Massachusetts. Moreover, in line with his business vision and community
values, Cape Air is now partly employee-owned.
He and his wife, Heidi Schuetz, live in Harwich, Massachusetts.
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SPECIAL THANKS TO THE WBA’S CORPORATE PARTNERS
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4
2015-2016 WBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Kimberly Dougherty | Janet, Jenner & Suggs, LLC
President-Elect
Kristin W. Shirahama | Bowditch & Dewey, LLP
Vice President, Membership & Statewide Outreach
Michele Liu Baillie | North Shore Patents, P.C.
Vice President, Operations
Heather Engman | Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Treasurer
Marie Chafe | Cornell & Gollub
Secretary
Bronwyn Roberts | Duane Morris LLP
Board of Directors
Meredith Ainbinder | Osram Sylvania
Stefanie Balandis | Northeast Legal Aid
Nancy Cremins | Gesmer Updegrove LLP
Kara DelTufo | Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Stesha Emmanuel | Todd & Weld LLP
Nicole Forbes | Gesmer Updegrove LLP
Julie Lynch | Law Office of Julie A. Lynch, P.C.
Danielle McCourt | Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Krina Patel | athenahealth
Michelle Peirce | Donoghue Barrett & Singal, P.C.
Rebecca Pontikes | Pontikes Law LLC
Patricia Rich | Duane Morris LLP
Camala Richardson | The Law Office of Camala A. Richardson
Jamie Ann Sabino | Massachusetts Law Reform Institute
Jennifer Saubermann | Massachusetts Technology Collaborative
Victoria Spetter | Law Firm of Victoria C. Spetter
Brianna Sullivan | Plaistow Public Library and On Point Legal Solutions
Donna Truex | Bowditch & Dewey, LLP
Raquel Webster | National Grid
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WBA EMERITUS BOARD
Pamela Berman
Elaine Epstein
Sarah McClean
Beth Boland
Hon. Wendie Gershengorn (Ret.)
Patricia McGovern
Lisa Brodeur-McGan
Hon. Nancy Gertner (Ret.)
Joan Meschino
Judith Olans Brown
Monica Halas
Mary K. Ryan
Martha Coakley
Julia Huston
Sandra Shapiro
Kathy Jo Cook
Ellen Kearns
Jayne Tyrrell
Hon. Judith Nelson Dilday (Ret.)
Hon. Carol Kenner (Ret.)
Dorothy Varon
Deborah DosSantos
Karen Kepler
Kimberly Winter
Toni Wolfman
Leigh-Ann Durant

THE FAMILY LAW PROJECT FOR BATTERED WOMEN
The FLP recruits, trains, and mentors volunteer attorneys to
represent low-income domestic violence survivors in their family law cases.
Taking a case allows attorneys to hone their courtroom skills, develop case
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No prior family law or litigation experience is required.
The FLP conducts in-depth trainings for pro bono attorneys. Every
volunteer who accepts a case is assigned a mentor, an experienced family
law practitioner who guides a volunteer attorney through his or her first case.
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Volunteers also receive a comprehensive training manual and
have access to the legal resources at the WBF including advanced seminars
on specific family law issues.
Come learn family law from judges and successful domestic relations attorneys. Join the WBF community of lawyers.
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Contact Rachel Biscardi, Director of Pro Bono Projects for
more information at rbiscardi@womensbar.org.
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WBA PAST PRESIDENTS
The Women’s Bar Association owes its existence, in large part, to the women who have dedicated their time and energy to serve as
President over the last three decades. Their talent, creativity, and vision have made the WBA a powerful resource and advocate for
women lawyers and for equality.
With much appreciation, we salute:
Hon. Wendie Gershengorn, President Pro Tem . . . 1978-1979
Ellen C. Kearns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1997-1998
Elaine Epstein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1979-1980
Beth I.Z. Boland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1998-1999
Maureen M. Phillips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1980-1981
Hon. Antoinette E.M. Leoney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1999-2000
Terry Jean Seligmann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1981-1982
Lisa Brodeur-McGan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2000-2001
Melinda Milberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1982-1983
Leigh-Ann Durant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2001-2002
Sarah Wald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1983-1984
Gretchen Van Ness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2002-2003
Mary K. Ryan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1984-1985
Patricia Rapinchuk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2003-2004
Sandra Shapiro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1985-1986
Marianne C. LeBlanc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2004-2005
Martha Coakley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1986-1988
Pamela E. Berman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2005-2006
S. Beville May . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1988-1989
Kathleen O’Connor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2006-2007
Karen J. Kepler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1989-1990
Julia Huston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2007-2008
Hon. Judith Nelson Dilday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1990-1991
Kathy Jo Cook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2008-2009
Hon. Patricia E. Bernstein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1991-1992
Michelle R. Peirce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2009-2010
Jamie Ann Sabino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1992-1993
Deborah DosSantos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2010-2011
Jane Tewksbury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1993-1994
Nancy M. Cremins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011-2012
Sally J. Greenberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1994-1995
Andrea Kramer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2012-2013
Jane E. Sender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1995-1996
Lurleen Gannon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2013-2014
Sarah McClean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1996-1997
Kara DelTufo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2014-2015
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WBA LIFETIME PATRON & LIFETIME MEMBERS
LIFETIME PATRON
Mindee Wasserman
Mindee Wasserman JD CFP
WBA Lifetime Patron Mindee Wasserman promotes
financial independence and education of women. Her
practice includes general financial planning and portfolio
management using mutual funds and stock selection focusing on three major industries: financial services, healthcare,
and media-telcom-technology-internet.
In addition to general business law, Mindee is interested
in civil rights law. She is active in her Temple. She is an avid
arts fan, especially photography, dance, movies and theater. Mindee is a Boardmember/Treasurerof the NY Hilton Club. Mindee has a J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of
Law. She has also earned an M.B.A. from the University of
Chicago Booth School of Business, where she was coordinator of the Alumni Financial Services Roundtable. Mindee is
a Certified Financial Planner and a member of the Financial
Planning Association.
LIFETIME MEMBER
Stefanie A. Balandis
Associate Director, Northeast Legal Aid
Stefanie Balandis is the Associate Director of Northeast Legal Aid, a civil legal aid office serving the low-income communities of Lowell, Lawrence and Lynn. Her
career has focused on legal services for the poor. For
almost two decades, she was a housing litigator for
Greater Boston Legal Services. Stefanie is a graduate of
Wellesley College (’88) and of Harvard Law School (’93).
She is a long-time supporter of the WBA. She has served
on the WBA’s Board of Directors since 2007, and is a past
Vice President for Operations. She currently co-chairs
the WBA’s Awards, Appointments and Endorsements
Committee, which works to promote women’s candidacy
for the judiciary. She is also a member of the WBA’s Rosa
Parks Committee.
LIFETIME MEMBER
Mary S. Block
Vice President & Senior Counsel
LIFETIME MEMBER
Windy Rosebush Catino
Deputy General Counsel | Randstad Professionals
Before beginning her legal practice, Windy served
as a law clerk in the United States Attorney’s office and
to the Justices of the Superior Court of Massachusetts,
where she was mentored and inspired by strong female
role models. In private practice and now as in-house
counsel, Windy has defended employers since 1998
against employment claims brought before human
rights agencies, as well as in the state and federal court.
She has also prosecuted and defended cases involving
complex business disputes and tried a variety of bench
and jury trials throughout her career.
In 2008, she became a Lifetime Member of the
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Women’s Bar Association and joined the WBA’s Appointments, Awards & Endorsements Committee. From
2008-2012, she was actively involved in the nomination
process for the Lelia J. Robinson Award. She also served
as the moderator for the WBA’s program Planting the
Seeds to Success: What every new lawyer should know
in order to obtain a fulfilling career, and was an active
participant in the WBA’s initiative to support qualified
female lawyers seeking appointment to the bench.
In the spirit of the WBA, Windy has passed on the
mentoring tradition by continuing to mentor more
junior lawyers.
LIFETIME MEMBER
Elaine M. Epstein
Partner | Todd & Weld LLP
Elaine practiced for almost 20 years in Brockton before
joining Todd & Weld LLP in 1994 to direct the firm’s Domestic Relations and Probate Litigation practices with Gary
Owen Todd. Elaine has tried dozens of cases in the Probate
& Family courts and resolved hundreds more short of trial,
ranging from substantial asset divisions to contested parental rights and novel issues involving the property rights of
non-married cohabitants and the rights of non-biological
parents. She has litigated complex jurisdictional issues and
actions involving numerous cutting edge issues in the Probate & Family, Superior, Federal and Appellate Courts.
Elaine was one of the founders and the first President of
the Women’s Bar Association and is a past President of the
Massachusetts Bar Association. In 2015, she was appointed
to the Judicial Nominating Commission by Governor Baker. She has been appointed by the Supreme Judicial Court
to the Board of Bar Overseers, its Advisory Committee on
the Rules of Professional Conduct and the Massachusetts
IOLTA Committee. She has been a Trustee of the Massa-
chusetts Bar Foundation and Massachusetts Continuing
Legal Education, as well as a member of the Massachusetts
Lawyers Weekly Board of Editors. She has been active on
numerous bar-related committees and is a frequent lecturer
and commentator on domestic relations law and trial practice. She is a long time Sustaining Member of the Women’s
Bar Foundation.
In 1999, Elaine received the Women’s Bar Association’s
Lelia J. Robinson Award in recognition of outstanding
accomplishments and contributions to women in the legal
profession. In 2013, Elaine was the recipient of a Lawyers
Weekly Top Women of Law Award and in 2015 was inducted into its Circle of Excellence. In 2015, Elaine received the
President’s Award from the Massachusetts Bar Foundation.
She has been repeatedly named in the Best Lawyers in
America, a “Massachusetts and New England Super Lawyer” by Boston Magazine in family law, and in Boston and
New England “Top Rated Lawyers” by the Boston Globe and
Wall Street Journal.
LIFETIME MEMBER
Julia Huston
Partner | Foley Hoag LLP
Julia Huston is a Partner in Foley Hoag LLP’s Intellectual Property Department. She is the Chair of the
firm’s Trademark, Copyright and Unfair Competition
Practice Group and the Co-Chair of the firm’s Advertising and Marketing Practice Group. She is well-known
for her high-profile victories in trademark, copyright
and false advertising cases. Julia’s practice includes
litigation, counseling and strategy in the areas of trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, internet commerce, domain name piracy, false advertising, unfair competition,
and patents. Julia has obtained several multi-million
dollar IP judgments and settlements, including a $20.7
million verdict in a false advertising case. In the context
of corporate transactions, Julia has led due diligence
teams that have investigated and evaluated intellectual
property rights, and provided comprehensive advice
concerning the protection of intellectual property in
licensing and assignment transactions.
Julia served as President of the WBA from 20072008. During her five years on the WBA board, Julia
focused on various initiatives to advance women in
the legal profession. A committed advocate for social
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justice and professional excellence in the law, Julia
has also held leadership positions in several other
civic, professional and charitable organizations. She
is the immediate past president of the Boston Bar
Association, a past president of the Greater Boston
Legal Services, and past chair of the Equal Justice
Coalition. She has also chaired committees for the
International Trademark Association and the Intellectual Property Owners Association.
Julia has received many honors, including the
highest peer review rating from Martindale-Hubbell. In
various publications, she has been named as one of the
top 100 lawyers in New England and one of the top 50
female lawyers in Massachusetts. She received the Lelia
Josephine Robinson Award from Boston University
School of Law Women’s Law Association in 2008 for
exemplary leadership in the community, was selected
by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly for a “Woman of
Justice” award in 2009, and received the Dow-Gardiner-Landrum Award from Greater Boston Legal Services
for outstanding commitment to legal services for the
poor in 2011.
LIFETIME MEMBER
Tamsin R. Kaplan
Davis, Malm & D’Agostine, P.C.
Tamsin R. Kaplan is a shareholder at the Boston law
firm of Davis, Malm & D’Agostine, P.C. She practices
in the Business Law, Employment, and Litigation areas.
Tamsin has extensive experience representing businesses, executives and other high-level professionals on a full
range of employment-related issues, including recruitment, hiring, discrimination, negotiation of employment
agreements, breach of contract, non-competes, discipline, termination, and reduction in force. Tamsin regularly litigates business and employment cases in federal
and state courts and agencies. She frequently conducts
workplace investigations and trainings on diversity,
harassment, and other topics, as well as writes and
lectures in the complex field of employment law. She also
provides alternative dispute resolution services to parties
involved in business and employment disputes and other
civil litigation matters. Tamsin works with clients in a
wide variety of industries, including education, health
care, manufacturing, technology, and service industries.
Tamsin is a former Board Member of the Women’s
Bar Association. She serves on the Expedited Commercial
Panel of the American Arbitration Association, the Massachusetts Bar Association’s Business Law Section Council,
and on the Labor and Employment Curriculum Advisory
Committee for Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education.
Tamsin also serves on the Board of the Belmont Media
Center, and she is a member of The Boston Club and Womenade Boston. She is recognized in The Best Lawyers in
AmericaÒ, by Chambers USA as a Recognized Practitioner,
and by Massachusetts Super Lawyers. Tamsin earned a J.D.
(cum laude) from Boston College Law School and a B.A.
(magna cum laude) from Tufts University.
LIFETIME MEMBER
Michelle Keith
Attorney at Law, M.B.A., L.L.M. Candidate
In 2015, Michelle Keith was appointed as a Commissioner on Bristol County’s Massachusetts Commission on
the Status of Women. Ms. Keith served as WBA Regional
Director for New Bedford/Fall River, 2011-2015. During
her first term, she helped organize the monthly “View from
the Bench” series for the WBA at UMass Law broadcasting
the series on Dartmouth Community Television. In March
2014, she graduated from University of London (UOL)
earning her Master of Laws (LL.M) degree with a specialization in Public International Law focusing, in particular,
on Women’s Rights. At graduation, she was invited to a
private reception by UOL and asked to present flowers to
and meet the current UOL Chancellor Her Royal Highness,The Princess Royal Anne who is a keen supporter of
advancing women’s rights. From 2010-2011, she served as
a Law Fellow to the Justices of the Massachusetts Superior
Court assisting the Justices in all phases of civil and criminal litigation. As a Law Fellow, she worked extensively with
the Justices on trials, hearings and motion sessions, and
prepared draft decisions, legal memoranda and proposed
10
jury instructions.
Michelle completed law school in December 2009 and
passed the Massachusetts Bar Exam in February 2010. Ms.
Keith also earned a Master of Business Administration
(MBA) with specialization in Finance from University of
Massachusetts Boston. At Bentley University, she earned a
Bachelor of Science in Marketing along with Associate in
Science degrees in Accounting, Management, and Paralegal
Studies.
Prior to law school, Michelle has worked as a legal
assistant. In particular, she is especially proud of helping to
win a protracted chapter 93A lawsuit. Ms. Keith has also
worked at the Massachusetts Bay
Transportation Authority ensuring EEO/AA compliance with federal and state civil rights laws, Title VI,
VII, 151b, and ADA. Born in Boston, Ms. Keith currently
resides in Dartmouth, Massachusetts with her
husband and two sons. She joined the WBA in August
2007 when she attended the inaugural meeting of
the New Bedford/Fall River Committee. LIFETIME MEMBER
Michelle Menken
The Law Office of Michelle Menken
Michelle Menken is an appellate practitioner concentrating on criminal cases in the Massachusetts and First
Circuit courts of appeal. She serves on both the CPCS
post-conviction panel for indigent appellants in state court,
and the First Circuit’s CJA appellate panel for indigent
appellants in federal court. She is also available to other
attorneys to consult on issue-preservation at the trial level,
and for research and writing assignments involving complex or novel issues.
Prior to opening her own office in January 2016, Attorney Menken was a partner at Rankin & Sultan, a criminal
litigation and appellate law firm. She appeared regularly in
state trial courts, in state and federal appellate courts, and
before various administrative agencies and disciplinary
bodies as well.
Attorney Menken joined Rankin & Sultan after graduating from Northeastern University School of Law in
1999. While in law school, Michelle’s internship employers
included the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under
Law, the CPCS Youth Advocacy Project, and the law firm of
Stern, Shapiro, Weissberg and Garin.
Attorney Menken is a member of the Massachusetts
Bar, the U.S. District Court Bar, and the Bar of the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. She belongs to the
Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
and is a lifetime member of the Women’s Bar Association.
LIFETIME MEMBER
Stephanie Perini-Hegarty
President and Managing Attorney | Perini-Hegarty & Associates, P.C.
For over 18 years, Ms. Perini-Hegarty has counseled a
wide spectrum of multi-national companies based both in
and outside the United States. She has experience assisting clients in every context in which an international or
domestic business law issue may arise and has successfully
negotiated a wide variety of complex transactions in these
areas.
In addition to her focus on international business law,
Ms. Perini-Hegarty has grown the residential and commercial real estate practice of the firm by providing representation for buyers and sellers as well as partnering with key
banks to provide real estate closing services.
Ms. Perini-Hegarty is licensed to practice in Massachusetts and before the U.S. Court of International Trade
as well as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
She is a Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP),
11
an accreditation given by NASBITE International and is a
licensed real estate broker in Massachusetts.
Recognition received by Perini-Hegarty & Associates
includes Cross Border Law Firm of the Year in MA by ACQ
Finance Magazine Law Awards in 2012, 2013, 2014, and
International/Cross-Border Law Firm of the Year in MA
by Corp Intl Magazine in 2012 and 2013. In addition, Ms.
Perini-Hegarty is the recipient of the ILO Client Choice
Award for Trade & Customs awarded by ILO in London,
England in 2013 as well as the Alumni Achievement Award
by UMASS Law Dartmouth in 2012.
Prior to founding Perini-Hegarty & Associates, Ms.
Perini-Hegarty was the Vice President of Contracts for
Fidelity Stock Plan Services where she was responsible for
overseeing all contractual legal and business matters for the
company’s domestic and international service offerings.
LIFETIME MEMBER
Rebecca G. Pontikes
Pontikes Law LLC Rebecca G. Pontikes, the principal owner of Pontikes
Law LLC, has been a passionate advocate for the rights of
employees, particularly women, since 1997. Rebecca focuses her work on gender related issues,
particularly sex and pregnancy discrimination, accommodation for pregnant women, and family responsibilities
(caregiver) discrimination. Since becoming a lawyer in 1997, she has dedicated most her bar association involvement to the WBA.
Rebecca currently serves on the WBA’s Board of Directors and co-chaired the Solo and Small Firm Committee
for a decade. Under her leadership, the Solo and Small
firm Committee received the 2011 Outstanding Member
Program Award from the National Conference of Women’s
Bar Associations for its Fee Circles program. She is also active with the WBA’s Legislative Policy
Committee. In 2013, she began taking a lead role in the
WBA’s efforts lobbying the state legislature to amend the
Massachusetts Equal Pay Act. She currently serves as one
Join the WBA TODAY!
In addition to connecting with women attorneys throughout
Massachusetts, WBA members can:

Join one of our 28 committees, ranging from
Alternative Dispute Resolution to Legislative
Policy to Business Development and more!

Join one of our regional mentoring circles

Enjoy member benefits such as Brooks
Brothers, EMK Consulting Services, and
Healthworks

Attend a WBA program throughout the year
For more information, contact Maura Bastarache, Membership
& Communications Manager, at mbastarache@womensbar.org.
27 School Street, Suite 500 • Boston, MA 02108 • 617.973.6666 • www.womensbar.org
12
of the WBA’s liaisons to the Massachusetts Equal Pay Coalition, an association of advocacy groups lobbying for the
bill to Establish Pay Equity. Pontikes Law LLC is a proud
business supporter of the bill.
In addition to her work lobbying for the passage of the
bill to Establish Pay Equity, Rebecca uses her expertise in
pregnancy accommodation and is the Legislative Policy
Committee’s liaison to a coalition, led by MotherWoman,
lobbying to pass a Pregnant Workers’ Fairness Act (PWFA)
in Massachusetts.
Rebecca is also an active member of the Massachusetts
Chapter of the National Employment Lawyer’s Association
(MELA). A graduate of the University of Michigan Law
School and Tufts University, Rebecca has repeatedly been
selected by her peers as a “SuperLawyer,” was named a
Top Woman of Law by Massachusetts Lawyer’s Weekly in
2012, and was named one of the top 50 women lawyers by
SuperLawyers in 2015. WBA FIRM MEMBERSHIP
The WBA Firm Membership Program is ideal for law firms
and other legal employers interested in making a strong commitment to advancing women in the legal profession. This
program provides a way for organizations to enroll all Massachusetts-based women attorneys as WBA members at a discounted membership rate. Firm members are recognized regularly
in WBA advertising materials, through special articles in our
publications, and on the WBA website. Each woman who is part
of a firm membership receives an enhanced listing in our online
referral directory.
While the discounts and publicity no doubt provide firms
with value on their own, there is also an important cultural
benefit to firms that demonstrate a willingness to provide WBA
memberships to all women attorneys. By committing to the
WBA as a Firm Member, a law firm, government agency, or corporate legal department makes a statement to its women attor-
neys that it shares their goals for improving society and helping
them succeed in the profession. WBA Firm Members show that
they understand the need for women professionals to have access
to strong networks in the legal profession as well as in relevant
business groups. WBA Firm Membership works for a firm of
any size and can serve as an external complement to its women’s
initiative.
With the WBA as a respected voice on policy issues and a
hub of networking opportunities for women professionals, the
membership exposes women attorneys to important business
development opportunities and opportunities for helping others.
Because the WBA assists its members in building their practices and advancing their careers, the WBA places a premium on
offering leadership opportunities to even its newest members,
giving each one a chance to hone the very skills that are important to professional success.
Thank you to our current Firm Members:
Office of the Attorney General
Bowditch & Dewey, LLP
Burns & Levinson LLP
City of Boston
Conn Kavanaugh Rosenthal Peisch & Ford, LLP
Donoghue Barrett & Singal, P.C.
Duane Morris LLP
Egloff & Wood, LLP
Fish & Richardson P.C.
Foley Hoag LLP
Foley & Lardner LLP
Gesmer Updegrove LLP
Greater Boston Legal Services
Hartley Michon Robb LLP
Hirsch Roberts Weinstein LLP
Israel, Van Kooy & Days, LLC
Janet, Jenner & Suggs, LLC
Kimball Brousseau LLP
Krokidas & Bluestein LLP
Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office
Morgan, Brown & Joy, LLP
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP
Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.
OSRAM Sylvania, Inc.
Pierce Atwood LLP
Project Citizenship
Riemer & Braunstein LLP
Ruberto, Israel & Weiner, P.C.
Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Stone, Stone & Creem
Sugarman and Sugarman, P.C.
Sugarman, Rogers, Barshak & Cohen, P.C.
Sunstein Kann Murphy & Timbers LLP
Todd & Weld LLP
To learn more about Firm Membership, contact Michele Liu Baillie, Vice President of Membership and Statewide Outreach at mlb@nspatents.com or Maura Bastarache, the WBA’s Membership & Communications Manager
at mbastarache@womensbar.org. The WBA will always work with firm members to customize the right package
of membership and benefits for their particular organizations.
13
LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE REPORT
The WBA’s Legislative Policy Committee (LPC) is the legislative arm of the Women’s Bar Association. Its dedicated members track the development of priority legislation, identify new
issues that require the WBA’s support, and share information
about the legislative process with attorneys across the state.
Women’s Health: The WBA developed An Act Establishing Civil and Criminal Penalties for Female Genital Mutilation
(S1116/H1530), which would protect girls in Massachusetts
from female genital mutilation (FGM). FGM involves removing
part or all of a girl’s external sex organs and surrounding tissue
for non-medical reasons, which can result in adverse health
consequences, death in childbirth, and lifelong trauma. FGM is
recognized by the UN as a human rights violation. Ms. Dougherty testified on the WBA’s behalf before the Committee on the
Judiciary on December 1, 2015. For International Day of Zero
Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (February 6, 2016) all
50 legislative co-sponsors of the FGM bills received a WBA letter
asking them to contact the Judiciary committee to ask that S1116/
H1530 be voted favorably out of committee and brought to the
floor for a vote this session.
WBA Action -- 2015-2016 Legislative Session
Every year the LPC recommends which bills the WBA Board
should prioritize. The WBA testifies at the hearings scheduled
by legislative committees and takes additional action as needed
during the session. For other bills that we are monitoring, the
WBA submits letters to the relevant committees. In addition,
the WBA hosts a legislative breakfast each year to highlight its
legislative agenda to legislators.
What follows is a summary of our priority bills, their current
status, and the legislative action taken during this session.
Legal Services Funding: The annual budget item 0321-1600
provides funding for legal services, the Battered Women’s Legal
Assistance Project, a Medicare advocacy program, and a Disability Benefits Project. On June 5, 2015, a WBA letter urged the Budget Conference Committee to keep the $17M budget allocation,
and a July 8, 2015, letter to Governor Baker urged the same. For
the FY2017 budget, the WBA supports the BBA Task Force’s call
to increase the budget item 0321-1600 funding to $27M.
2015-2016 Priority Legislation
Employment: An Act to Establish Pay Equity (S2119 – formerly S983/H1733) would protect employees’ freedom of speech
regarding pay, eliminate the use of salary history in the hiring
process, and require compensation to be based on comparable
skill, effort, responsibility, and working conditions. The bill’s
approach is business-friendly because it has little to no cost to
implement, allows employers to gradually achieve pay equity, and
builds on other diversity and pay equity efforts already in place.
On July 21, 2015, President Kim Dougherty testified on
behalf of the WBA before the Committee on Labor & Workforce
Development. The bill was favorably reported to the Senate Ways
& Means at the end of August. In late January 2016, the WBA
submitted a letter to Senators urging passage. The Senate passed
the bill unanimously on January 28, 2016, and as of this writing,
it is before the House Ways & Means. The WBA is one of the
founding members of the Massachusetts Equal Pay Coalition
advocating for the bill.
An Act Establishing the Mass. Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
(H1769) amends MGL ch.151B § 4, to cover women (pregnant
& nursing) who need minor accommodations. Board member
Rebecca Pontikes testified for the WBA before the Committee on
Labor & Workforce Development on July 30, 2015, and the bill
was favorably reported to House Ways & Means just days later.
Other Bills We Are Currently Monitoring
The WBA sent letters of support (or opposition) to the
appropriate legislative committees for their hearings on the
following bills.
Equal Rights Amendment: The WBA supports An Act Providing Equitable Coverage in Disability Insurance (H784), which
would prohibit gender discrimination in disability insurance
policies.
Health: An Act to Protect Access to Confidential Healthcare
(S2138) would establish mechanisms to ensure that when multiple people are on the same insurance plan, confidential health
care information is not shared with anyone other than the
patient. This would protect victims of domestic violence, young
adults under 27, or minors seeking medical or counseling care.
Transgender Civil Rights: The 2011 Act Relative to Gender
Identity added non-discrimination laws for gender identity in the
areas of employment, housing, K-12 public education, and credit.
An Act Relative to Gender Identity and Nondiscrimination (S735/
H1577) would add public accommodations to the list of areas in
which transgender people cannot be discriminated against. Ms.
Dougherty testified for the WBA before the Committee on the
Judiciary on October 6, 2015. On February 24, 2016, the WBA
joined MassNOW in a letter delivered to all legislators on behalf
of 15 women’s groups and the Freedom Massachusetts coalition,
pointing out that this bill will not make bathrooms and locker
rooms unsafe for women and that women are not in fear of it.
The WBA is a member of the Freedom Massachusetts Coalition
advocating for the bill.
Health Education: An Act Relative to Healthy Youth
(H3754), mandates age-appropriate, medically accurate sex
education. The required curriculum includes education on
relationships and sexuality. President-Elect Kristin Shirahama
testified at the Education Hearing on June 3, 2015.
Probate: An Act Improving Spousal Elective Share (S748),
which was jointly drafted by the WBA, Massachusetts Bar
Association and Boston Bar Association, updates property
rights of surviving spouses. This legislation would rewrite the
existing statutory law on forced elective share by significantly
increasing the size of the elective estate and clarifying proceContinued on page 15
14
2015-2016 Priority Legislation
Continued from 14
dures necessary to the election of the
spousal share.
Reproductive Rights: An Act
to Improve Healthcare for Young
Women (H2070) would allow minors
under 16 to receive an abortion
without written consent from a legal
guardian or judge. Instead, they may
receive an abortion if they alone have
written consent from an authorized
individual who has counseled them
on alternative options to abortion.
An Act Promoting Access to
Accurate Medical Information
(S1232/H2082) would mandate
any reproductive health services to
provide medically accurate, nondirective reproductive health care
information. This would restrict
anti-abortion “Crisis Pregnancy
Centers” from providing inaccurate
information.
The WBA opposes bills that
purport to increase health safety by
imposing medically unnecessary and
burdensome licensing requirements
that are intended to make it harder
for women to access an abortion if
and when one is needed. Such bills
include An Act to advance the safety
of women seeking to terminate a
Pregnancy (H2039), which requires
excessive state-scripted “counseling”
at least 24-hours prior to an abortion.
Welfare: An Act to Promote
Employment (S107/H1698) would
help unemployed parents on TAFDC
receive the education and training
needed to obtain and maintain
employment.
Child Custody: The WBA wrote
a letter July 15, 2015 to members of
the Judiciary Committee opposing
S834/H1207 an Act relative to
Child-Centered Family Law. The
bill prioritizes the desires of the
parents over the needs of the
children. In particular, it replaces
the Commonwealth’s longstanding
custody standard which focuses on
the best interests of the children with
language that focuses on a “right to
parent.”
(From Left) Nicole Forbes, State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, and Krina Patel.
2016 LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST
At its annual Legislative Breakfast on February 3, 2016, the WBA shared its
2016 legislative agenda at the Massachusetts State House. WBA President Kimberly
Dougherty provided an overview of the WBA’s advocacy efforts over the past year.
Co-Chairs of the LPC, Nicole Forbes and Krina Patel, introduced three of four
WBA priorities for 2016:
Equal Pay: Massachusetts Treasurer Deborah Goldberg spoke about her office’s
efforts to help close the wage gap, and the importance of passing An Act to Establish
Pay Equity (S. 2119). Pregnant Workers Fairness Act: WBA Board member Rebecca Pontikes and
bill sponsor Representative Ellen Story (D-Amherst) spoke about An Act Establishing the Massachusetts Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (H. 1769). Alejandra Duarte, a
Massachusetts resident and former industrial laundry worker, graciously shared her
personal story about how she lost her baby at 19 weeks when her employer denied
her health accommodations. Ms. Duarte urged legislators to pass the bill to prevent
other women from suffering such tragedy.
Transgender Civil Rights: Bill sponsors Representative Denise Provost (DSomerville) and Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz (D-Jamaica Plain) spoke about An Act
Relative to Transgender Anti-Discrimination (S.735/H.1577). Provost decried the
bill’s opponents who claim that it would endanger women and children and instructed women lawyers that they are instrumental to help demolish these specious
arguments against the bill. Referencing the fight for public desegregation in the
1950s and 60s, Chang-Diaz emphasized how equal access to public accommodations are a fundamental part of achieving civil rights equality.
LPC Co-Chair Ann Hartner outlined the other bills the WBA is monitoring,
and urged legislators to advance the WBA’s priority bills, including funding for civil
legal aid.
15
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE
2015-2016
Back Row: (from left) Lisa Maki, Connie McGrane, Pauline Quirion, Sabrina Acloque, Mairead Blue, Lindsay Manning Burke, Heather Gamache, Jessica
Block, Shirley Rodriguez, Anne Paruti, and Suzanne Elovecky. Front Row: Kimberly Winter, Lizbeth Ginsburg, Gwen Nolan King, Rachel Morse, Kristy
Lavigne, Justice Fernande R.V. Duffly, Justice Barbara A. Lenk, Michele Liu Baillie, Kate Moran Carter, and Torrey Young.
In September 2015, the WBA kicked off its fourth annual
Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI), a program that brings
together senior women attorneys and up and coming stars of the
legal profession for mentoring and leadership development. The
program is chaired by longtime WBA leaders Marie Chafe of
Cornell & Gollub, Sherley Rodriguez of Suffolk University Law
School, and Kimberly Winter of White, Freeman & Winter, LLP.
The WLI was launched in 2009 by former WBA President Kathy Jo Cook of KJC Law Firm LLC and led by Michele
Whitham of Locke Lord LLP and Nancy Shilepsky of Sherin and
Lodgen LLP. The program has always had a clear objective: to
help women succeed in the legal profession.
Following the model of successful programs in other communities, the WBA provides participants with large-scale networking, group mentoring, and one-on-one career development
opportunities. Each event leverages the experiences of accomplished women attorneys in Massachusetts interested in cultivating the next generation of women leaders. From no-holds barred
Q&A sessions to events introducing participants to leaders in the
Massachusetts legal and business communities, the WLI provides
participants with opportunities to work with their role models
and one another, build their networks, and further their careers.
Before meeting with their host members, the 2016 WLI class
of rising stars kicked off the program by focusing on their personal and professional goals for the year. The women shared why
they chose to participate in the WLI and how they hoped the
program would support them as they transition into leadership
roles, take on new responsibilities, and consider next steps in
their careers. By the end of the evening, the group was energized
and inspired for the upcoming year and the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with their host members.
In November, the members of the WLI met with Supreme
Judicial Court Justices Fernande R.V. Duffly and Barbara A. Lenk
for an inspiring conversation about their paths to the bench. The
justices encouraged the WLI class to be open to opportunities
and to surround themselves with mentors and colleagues who
will support them and help them reach their career goals.
The WLI kicked off 2016 with a panel discussion facilitated
by Elizabeth Munnell, of EHMunnell, a business development
consultant and career coach for lawyers, along with Pamela
Berman of Bowditch & Dewey, LLP and Carol A. Starkey of
Conn Kavanaugh Rosenthal Peisch & Ford LLP, about the secrets
of their success and how to navigate obstacles that may arise
throughout one’s legal career. Attorneys Munnell, Berman, and
Starkey spoke honestly and frankly about lessons learned, unexpected triumphs, and critical moments that determined their
career paths.
This spring, the WLI will continue to provide networking
and career development opportunities, including a social media
boot camp that will teach members how to maximize their social
presence to develop professional networks and establish their
professional narrative and programs that engage networking and
business consultants, in-house counsel, and senior rainmakers.
The year will wrap up with an alumni reception that will allow
this year’s class to meet previous class members. Alumni will
share insights into how the experiences and networks developed
through the WLI helped to advance their careers and put them
on the path to becoming leaders in the legal community.
16
Members of the 2015-2016 Women’s Leadership Initiative are:
Sabrina L. Acloque
City of Cambridge Human Rights Commission
Suzanne M. Elovecky
Todd & Weld LLP
Lisa S. Maki
City of Boston Law Department
Mairead C. Blue
Morgan, Brown & Joy, LLP
Heather M. Gamache
Prince Lobel Tye, LLP
Rachel E. Morse
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
Lindsay Manning Burke
Kenney & Sams P.C.
Lizbeth Ginsburg
Greater Boston Legal Services
Anne Paruti
Middlesex District Attorney’s Office
Kate Moran Carter
Dain, Torpy, Le Ray, Wiest & Garner, P.C.
Gwen Nolan King
Sugarman, Rogers, Barshak & Cohen, P.C.
Jenna Ventorino
Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP
Amy DeCloux, Ph.D.
Sunstein Kann Murphy & Timbers LLP
Kristy A. Lavigne
Office of the Attorney General, Criminal Bureau
Torrey K. Young
Foley & Lardner LLP
Host Committee members who have committed to serve as mentors are:
Michele Liu Baille
North Shore Patents, PC
Tamsin Kaplan
Davis, Malm & D’Agostine
Maureen Mulligan
Peabody & Arnold LLP
Pamela Berman
Bowditch & Dewey, LLP
Andrea Kramer
Mass. Attorney General’s Office, Civil Division
Pauline Quirion
Greater Boston Legal Services
Jessica Block
Block & Roos, LLP
Connie McGrane
Mass. Commission Against Discrimination
Nancy Shilepsky
Sherin and Lodgen LLP
Sarah Elisabeth Curi
Curi Law
Joan Meschino
Candidate for State Senate
Carol A. Starkey
Conn Kavanaugh Rosenthal Peisch & Ford, LLP
Deborah DosSantos
Lahey Health System
Jennifer Grace Miller
Office of Senate Counsel
Jayne Tyrrell
Massachusetts IOLTA
Michele Whitham
Foley Hoag LLP
Leigh-Ann Durant
EMD Serono, Inc.
17
2015 SUMMER ASSOCIATE, LAW CLERK, AND INTERN RECEPTION
One of the WBA’s signature annual
events is its Summer Associate, Law
Clerk, and Intern Reception, during
which women already practicing law in
the Commonwealth meet with soon-tobe women attorneys. This year’s event
was held in Boston on July 9, 2015, generously hosted by Duane Morris LLP and
chaired by WBA board member Bronwyn
Roberts, an employment partner at the
firm.
The event provided attendees with
the opportunity to meet practicing
lawyers, socialize with peers, and hear
an inspirational keynote address. The
event drew 85 guests, including two
members of our judiciary, Judge Allison Burroughs (U.S.D.C. D. Mass.) and
Judge Heidi Brieger (Superior Court). The guests were greeted by Ms. Roberts
and welcomed by WBA President Kim
Dougherty and WBA Executive Director
Pattye Comfort, who each shared their
thoughts on the great benefits of involvement in the WBA. Treasurer Goldberg
gave an inspirational speech about how
women can find success through grit and
(from left) Shaneka Davis, Patricia Mann, Maayan Landy, and Sarah Kim.
perseverance. She also shared specific
ideas for eliminating the wage gap from
a top to bottom approach. After her
address, she generously entertained questions from the attendees. Thereafter, the
attendees enjoyed an evening of networking and socializing. We hope many more will join us in future years to welcome the next generation
of women lawyers and leaders.
2015 TRIALS FACING WOMEN LITIGATORS
AND TIPS FOR SUCCESS
On June 30, 2015, the WBA and the Women’s Caucus of the
Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys (“MATA”) co-hosted
the annual panel discussion entitled Trials Facing Women Litigators and Tips for Success at the Moakley Federal Courthouse.
More than one hundred attorneys and law students attended
the lively discussion about the challenges women litigators face.
The event was co-chaired by Kate Isley, Christina Graziano, and
Lauren Barnes. Lauren Barnes moderated the event. O’Brien &
Levine Court Reporting sponsored the event.
The panel was comprised of esteemed women litigators from
the judiciary, small firms, large firms, and the government:
Justice Margot Botsford of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, Charlotte Glinka, a partner at Keches Law Group,
Sarah Frederick, a partner at Goodwin Procter LLP, and Giselle
Joffre, an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the United States Attorney’s
Office in Boston. Panelists covered many topics including client
development, tips for establishing professional credibility early
in one’s career, strategies for handling difficult relationships with
opposing counsel, partners, judges or others, the pros and cons
of when to become a mother and the attendant challenges of
balancing family obligations while practicing law. The panel also
discussed how to balance participation in bar associations or other organizations with billing and other job requirements, shared
what they view as the advantages women have in the courtroom,
and offered a piece of career advice each panelist had relied on
throughout her career.
The discussion was engaging and panelists gave personal
examples as they answered questions. Immediately following the
event, participants enjoyed a reception and networking session at
the Daily Catch.
18
THE BENEFITS OF WBA MEMBERSHIP
members. Group members use the LinkedIn platform to share
information, seek referrals, and post other information of interest
to the group. If you are on LinkedIn, we would love for you to join
our group.
And, not to be left out of the world of hashtags and tweets, the
WBA also has a Twitter feed. The WBA uses this microblogging
site to share information about the organization and retweets other
posts of interest to its followers. If you are on Twitter, please follow
us - @WBAofMA.
There is no question that the WBA is the premier networking,
social activism, and professional development resource for women
lawyers in Massachusetts. Our members make lifelong connections
and find that their professional satisfaction grows as a result of their
involvement in such a meaningful organization. We, too, are growing and adding more and more ways to connect with members and
the broader legal community. We invite you to join us!
Social-ize with the WBA
Social media is impacting a variety of fields and its value as a
networking and advocacy tool can’t be underestimated. The WBA
understands the important role social media has in organizational
communication and can be found on Facebook, LinkedIn, and
Twitter!
The WBA uses Facebook to connect with members and others
who support the WBA and its mission, providing information
about upcoming events, sharing photos from programs, and posting information and articles of interest. If you are on Facebook,
please “like” the WBA of MA to become a part of our Facebook
community.
The WBA LinkedIn Group is another great resource for
The Women’s Bar Review – What Matters to Women Lawyers
The Women’s Bar Review is the WBA’s bi-annual source of
current legal and social issues important to women lawyers as well
as news on the organization. From networking tips and rainmaking anecdotes to updates on our advocacy efforts, the WBR covers
the issues that matter most to our members. As always, the WBR is
sent electronically to members and is available on the WBA website
- enjoy it from your desktop in a green alternative! If you’d like to
be part of our editorial staff or have an article idea, contact Editor-in-Chief Brianna Sullivan at brianna.sullivan81@gmail.com.
WBA’s Expanded Member Benefits
If you are reading the Annual Report, you already know that the WBA is a leader in advocating for women’s issues and a great
resource for women interested in professional networking and career advancement. What you might not realize is that the WBA also
works to help its members manage their own personal and professional resources by making discount programs available. In the last few
years, we have expanded these offerings and now proudly offer members the opportunity to save on everything from office products to
dry cleaning. The WBA thanks its providers and looks forward to finding new ways to help members find value in their membership.
2 Places at 1 Time, Inc. This provider not
only runs errands for customers, it also offers
discounts on leading jewelry, floral, travel, gift,
vacation, automotive and car rental services.
Amaci Salon. Amaci Salon is recognized as one
of Boston’s top hair salons specializing in color,
highlights and design cuts. WBA members
receive a discounted rate on products and visits.
Boston Portrait Company. If you are in need
of a business portrait, your WBA membership
entitles you to a discount on a sitting with this
downtown Boston photographer.
Brooks Brothers. As a Brooks Brothers Corporate
Member, WBA members receive a 15% discount
every day.
Cooking From the Heart. For busy lawyers
interested in delivery of healthy meals, Cooking
From the Heart offers a discounted rate on
getting some nourishment.
Dependable Cleaners. A percentage off
the dry cleaning bill will help attorneys
manage both their professional and personal
wardrobes.
Doris O. Wong Associates, Inc. WBA
members receive discounted court
reporting services when they mention their
membership.
eLuminate Client Management Software.
eLuminate offers a 10% discount for one
year and a free two-month trial on client
management software.
EMK Consulting Group, LLC. EMK Consulting
Group offers a 10% discount on Business
Development Coaching.
Healthworks & Republic Fitness. Members
enjoy a $75 initiation fee and $10 off monthly
membership.
The Kids Place, Inc. A variety of child care
options are available at a 5% discount through
this provider.
Lisa’s Hands of Time Personal Concierge. For
members who wish they could get a hand with
some personal errands, this provider offers a
discount and that assistance.
MWI Mediation Services. MWI offers 10%
off negotiation and mediation training
programs.
One Shot Couriers. Need to get something
somewhere in a pinch? If you also want 10%
off, let One Shot Couriers know you are a WBA
member when you call for help.
Renta Yenta. This personal assistant and
concierge service offers a discount to WBA
members eager to get some tasks accomplished
outside the office.
More information is available at www.womensbar.org.
If you know of a business that would be interested in offering WBA member discounts, please contact WBA Vice President of Membership & Statewide Outreach Michele Liu Baillie at
mlb@nspatents.com.
19
WOMEN’S BAR FOUNDATION
By Rachel B. Biscardi, Director of Pro Bono Projects
Thank you to the Women’s Bar Association for providing me the opportunity to write about its sister organization, the Women’s Bar Foundation,
and the work that we do. With only three staff members and an extensive
pool of hardworking volunteers, the WBF assists nearly 2,000 low-income
people a year with their legal issues.
At least one in four women will suffer domestic violence
in their lifetime. Many of these women face significant
health problems while they are recovering from the abuse
including: physical in­juries, post-traumatic stress disorder,
migraines, depression, and anxiety. Moreover, women who
suffer abuse are often disempowered by the legal system
exacerbating the utter loss of control imposed by their
abusive partner.
“My husband told me that he would ruin me if I tried
to leave him; he would wipe the floor with me in court”
“Mary”, WBF Client.
The WBF is unique in providing one-to-one mentorship
for its volunteer attorneys. Our mentors are the seminal
practitioners in their respective fields of practice. For a
lawyer who has never met individually with a client, argued
in a motion session, or drafted a separation agreement
or a will, the WBF provides an opportunity to “get one’s
feet wet” with a safety net (and malpractice coverage!).
Volunteer at­torneys often cite their relationship with their
mentors as a huge benefit of volunteering with the WBF.
Volunteering with the WBF, like joining the WBA, is an
excellent way for attorneys to network, make connections,
and develop their own law practice.
For more information, please contact Rachel Biscardi,
Director of Pro Bono Projects at rbiscardi@womensbar.org.
The first time we spoke to her, “Jane” could not talk
about the domestic violence she had endured during her
marriage. Eventually, she opened up about the reason she
left her husband; he had physically assaulted her until one
of her children had to step in to protect her. His lawyer
served her with divorce papers seeking custody of the two
children. She was shocked as her husband never spent
time with the children during the marriage. Jane was
worried that she would break down in court if she had to
talk about her private life. We matched her with one of our
volunteer lawyers. Jane’s lawyer explained to the judge all
of the abuse that she had suffered. Jane obtained full custody of her children, with an equitable division of assets, and
an order of child support.
These types of cases, with clients like Jane, are the reason why the Women’s Bar Association created the Women’s
Bar Foundation (WBF) in 1993. Their missions dovetail:
the WBA fights for equality in the legal profession and the
WBF combats inequality in the legal system by providing
lawyers, one case at a time, for low-income litigants.
A snapshot of the WBF’s pro bono projects:
The Family Law Project for Battered Women (FLP) is the largest project at the WBF, drawing over 150 new volunteer attorneys and paralegals each year and handling 1,500 phone calls annually. The FLP has two primary missions. The
first is to em­power domestic violence victims by giving them a voice in their abuse prevention order and family law cases
through recruiting, training, and mentoring volunteer attorneys to represent them. The FLP’s second mission is to engage
lawyers in pro bono service, making them stakeholders on issues involving domestic violence and poverty.
The Elder Law Project (ELP) recruits and trains volunteer attorneys to draft end of life documents including, wills,
health care proxies, durable powers of attorney, and living wills for low-income elders. Visits occur at a senior center
providing a comfortable and convenient setting for elders to discuss issues that are vital to their peace of mind.
The Framingham Project for Incarcerated Women provides civil legal information to women involved in the corrections system. In teams of two or three, volunteer attorneys hold group educational seminars, answering inmates’ questions on a broad range of topics including family law, housing, benefits, and CORI. The Framingham Project operates at
MCI-Framingham, South Bay House of Correction in Suffolk County, and Kingston House.
At the Women’s Lunch Place, the WBF’s volunteer lawyers share legal information and resources with the guests on
topics including: disability, CORI, family law and restraining orders under MGL c. 209A, immigration, criminal law,
housing and eviction rights.
The Hampden County Housing Court Project provides legal services for low-income families facing either eviction
or loss of their home. This lawyer-for-the-day program takes place in the Western Division Housing Court every Thursday (known as “Eviction Day”) to assist those facing imminent homelessness.
20
WBA COMMITTEE REPORTS 2016
ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
The Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee will discuss
issues facing women attorneys in the alternative dispute resolution arena, including mediation, arbitration, and other forms of
conflict management. In addition, the ADR Committee will serve
as a resource for WBA members to expand their understanding
of all ADR techniques and effective dispute resolution advocacy.
ADR is an increasingly important component of every lawyer’s
practice and can contribute to practice building. The ADR Committee will work to further advance women in the field.
Co-Chairs: Merriann Panarella, Conna Weiner
The mission of the Business Development Committee is to
promote the success of women in the law by creating an open
environment to understand and build the skills necessary to develop business. The Committee arises, in part, from studies citing business development as one of the key obstacles to women’s
progression as equity partners in law firms. Since rainmakers are
decision-makers in firms, in order to effect positive change such
as promoting work-life balance, it is the Business Development
Committee’s goal to help all women develop business in order
to promote their financial independence and expand available
career options. The Committee aims to provide women with the
skills necessary to develop business while simultaneously creating a network of contacts. In addition, the Committee works
to analyze, explore, and address the unique challenges facing
women lawyers in the area of business development.
Chair: Marie Chafe
AMICUS
The Amicus Committee writes and supports amicus briefs
on various issues affecting women and the law. The Amicus
Committee’s goal is to provide the Supreme Judicial Court, as
well as other Commonwealth courts and federal courts, with
well-written and researched briefs that support the positions
and concerns of the WBA as an organization. In order to ensure
fulfillment of the WBA mission, the Committee evaluates and
responds to requests from individuals and organizations that
approach the WBA requesting amicus support. Consistent with
the WBA’s mission, the WBA has filed briefs in cases involving
alimony, child support, domestic violence, domestic relations,
employment, discrimination, sexual harassment, gender equality, spousal elective share, reproductive rights, and reproductive
technology. The WBA seeks senior attorneys who can provide
expertise in a particular area of law, experienced appellate writers, and new attorneys with an interest in crafting legal arguments that will articulate the position and concerns of the WBA
as an organization.
Co-Chairs: Rachel Biscardi, Elizabeth Brusie, Afton Templin
CAPE COD AND ISLANDS
The Cape Cod and Islands Committee was created in response to the vibrant community of women attorneys who live or
work on Cape Cod or the Islands. The Committee hosts meetings and programs to provide networking opportunities, promote
business development, and share ideas for the advancement of
women in the profession.
Chair: Camala Richardson
CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS
The Central Massachusetts Committee provides WBA members residing or practicing in Worcester County and surrounding
towns with a forum where they may meet, network, share ideas,
and participate in local programming. The Committee establishes a firm link with the organization as a whole, acting as the voice
that shares the experiences, challenges, and the particular professional needs of the WBA members in this geographic location.
Chair: Donna Truex
APPOINTMENTS, AWARDS AND
ENDORSEMENTS
The Appointments, Awards and Endorsements Committee
(“AA&E Committee”) actively encourages and supports women
interested in elevation to the bench by organizing educational
programs concerning the judicial nominating process, pairing nominees with judicial mentors who can supply advice and
encouragement through the selection process, and providing
other support to qualified candidates through the confirmation
process. The AA&E Committee also encourages and supports
women attorneys seeking elected office and other appointments
in partnership with other organizations. In addition, the AA&E
Committee makes recommendations to the WBA concerning
awards that recognize the contributions of women lawyers to the
legal profession and society, and promotes nominations of notable women attorneys for prestigious awards in the profession and
community.
Co-Chairs: Stefanie Balandis, Marianne LeBlanc, Michelle
Peirce
EMPLOYMENT ISSUES
The Employment Issues Committee is concerned with
workplace issues affecting women lawyers, such as part-time
work, compensation issues, the evaluation process, and the socalled “glass ceiling.” Since 2000, the Committee has issued two
groundbreaking reports. The first, More Than Part-Time: The
Effect of Reduced-Hours on the Retention, Recruitment, and Success of Women Attorneys in Law Firms, explored reduced hours
arrangements at the 100 largest law firms in Massachusetts. The
second, Where Are We Now? A Report on the Occupational Status
of Women Attorneys in Massachusetts, is a statistical study of the
gender distribution of Massachusetts attorneys among various
employer types and the gender distribution of active, inactive,
and retired attorneys in Massachusetts. Now, the Committee
seeks to move beyond its quantitative work to understand why
Continued on page 22
21
WBA COMMITTEE REPORTS 2016
Continued from 21
frank, robust discussion and ideas of concrete action for all sectors of the legal system to take to advance women and attorneys
of color. Action items for law firms include training all attorneys
on unconscious bias, business development, leadership skills, and
project management.
Co-Chairs: Jody Newman, Bronwyn Roberts
women attorneys make certain professional choices. It is the
Committee’s hope that this information will help us better understand and address remaining gender inequity in the profession.
Co-Chairs: Jennifer Belli, Laura Unflat, Kimberly Winter
GOVERNMENT LAWYERS
The Government Lawyers Committee was created to address issues of importance to women working in public service,
including all branches of local, state, and federal government.
Committee members meet monthly for lunch to network and
socialize, and invite a speaker to each committee meeting to
discuss their career paths, how to succeed in government service,
and experiences working in the public sector. Past speakers have
included women from the Suffolk County District Attorney’s
Office, the Legislature, and the City of Boston. The Committee is
looking forward to developing many more large and small-scale
events and discussions to promote women lawyers in government practice.
Co-Chairs: April English, Kristy Lavigne, Amy Nable
LAW STUDENT
The Law Student Committee is designed to meet the needs
of female law students. The Committee sponsors its signature
Mentoring Circle Programs at area law schools throughout the
academic year. These Circles are candid, informal question and
answer sessions with panelists who are practicing attorneys, often
alumnae of the law school. In addition, the Committee holds
bi-monthly meetings that cover topics of interest to law students. The Committee also hosts social events periodically and a
popular speed-networking event each spring. Students from all
area law schools are welcome to get involved by attending one or
more Committee events. Co-Chairs: Kate Isley, Rachel Morse
GREATER BOSTON
LEGISLATIVE POLICY
The Greater Boston Committee was created to provide new
opportunities to the growing community of women attorneys
who live or work in Greater Boston. The Committee hosts meetings and programs aimed at networking, business development,
and to serve as a forum for women in the region to discuss what
we all can do to promote women in the profession.
Chair: Lesley Leonessa
The Legislative Policy Committee (“LPC”) plays a key role in
carrying out the WBA’s mission as a voice for social justice. The
Committee develops and monitors the WBA Legislative Agenda,
prepares testimony for hearings, and drafts letters to elected officials on the bills and issues the organization supports or opposes. The WBA meets with legislators and other groups concerned
about issues on the Legislative Agenda. The LPC organizes the
WBA’s Annual Legislative Breakfast to connect members of the
organization with legislators and to discuss the progress of key
bills. Additionally, the LPC sponsors periodic “State House 101”
programs to educate members about the legislative process. The
WBA honors a Legislator or Public Official of the Year at the organization’s Annual Meeting. The LPC welcomes new members,
regardless of their level of experience.
Co-Chairs: Nicole Forbes, Ann Morse Hartner, Krina Patel
IN-HOUSE COUNSEL
Recognizing that women are represented in a variety of
non-traditional practice settings, the In-House Counsel Committee serves a dynamic group of WBA members who work outside
the traditional law firm environment. From general counsel,
to corporate counsel, to J.D.s who work in a corporate setting,
this Committee addresses the needs and concerns of in-house
practitioners, and helps connect the women who work in-house
with each other and with other members of the WBA. Whether
you have just made the transition, or you have been in-house for
years, this Committee offers networking and educational programs that are of interest to you.
Co-Chairs: Meredith Ainbinder, Kimberly Nuzum, Deanna
Sheridan
METROWEST
The MetroWest Committee provides an opportunity for women attorneys who live or work in the MetroWest region to form
unique connections. The Committee’s events are intended to
provide opportunities for women to network with one another,
share strategies for success, and bring the great assets of the WBA
to their hometowns.
Co-Chairs: Daintria McClure, Lisa Murphy
LAW FIRM ADVANCEMENT
The goal of the Law Firm Advancement Committee is to
help women and law firms advance women into partnerships
and management positions. The Committee has held programs
in response to recent data showing that despite almost 25 years
of women graduating law school in equal proportion to men,
women lawyers in Massachusetts comprise only 17.9% of equity
partner ranks. The Committee convened a summit of law firm
managing partners and in-house counsel, which generated a
MIDDLESEX COUNTY
The Middlesex County Committee serves as a networking,
information, and support resource for WBA members working
or living in Middlesex County. The Committee meets for lunch
on the second Friday of each month, at noon, at the Yangtze RivContinued on page 23
22
WBA COMMITTEE REPORTS 2016
Continued from 22
NORTH OF BOSTON
er Restaurant in Lexington Center. The Middlesex Committee is
the first and oldest of the WBA’s regional committees. Members
include women at all stages of their careers and spanning the full
breadth of practice areas. Many are solo and small-firm practitioners. Committee members share information about business
trends, practice tips, current and upcoming events, and career
development opportunities that may be of interest to the group.
The Committee also hosts special events once or twice a year. All
interested WBA members are encouraged to join the monthly
networking lunches and special events.
Co-Chairs: Marianne Brown, Karla Mansur, Veronica Zolina
The North of Boston Committee is comprised of women
attorneys and related professionals who work or live in the area
north of the Greater Boston area. The Committee is a diverse
group – members range from those who have just been admitted
to those who have been lawyers for more than fifteen years –
providing educational, social, and networking opportunities for
women looking for the resources and benefits of the WBA in this
geographic region.
Co-Chairs: Sheryl Bourbeau, Deborah Eliason, Teresa M.
Harkins La Vita, Teresa Reade
MOTHERS’ FORUM
PUBLIC RELATIONS
The Mothers’ Forum Committee seeks to provide a forum
for women to discuss issues related to balancing the challenging
work of an attorney with home and family commitments. The
Committee has long been a valuable resource for women in need
of advice, strategies, and information about how to succeed on
a number of fronts. The Mother’s Forum Committee also seeks
ways for our profession to include, accommodate, and advance
mothers within its ranks. The group encourages the involvement
of expecting, new, and seasoned parents, and others who are
trying to balance their family and work lives.
Co-Chairs: Melissa McCarthy, Eliza Minsch
The Public Relations Committee is dedicated to promoting
the organization’s public presence. The Committee allows members to tap into any communications activity that piques their interest. Activities on the agenda include: media outreach, drafting
press releases and articles, overseeing member communications,
launching the organization’s social media initiatives, creating
advertising and marketing materials, developing networking
relationships between the WBA and other legal and business
organizations, and planning programs around media issues.
Co-Chairs: Krina Patel, Brianna Sullivan
ROSA PARKS
NEW BEDFORD/FALL RIVER AREA
The Rosa Parks Committee, named for a key leader in civil
rights and social justice, addresses the concerns of members who
dedicate themselves to the public good. It is a key network for
legal services attorneys, bar advocates, public counsel, and other
attorneys working in the non-profit and non-traditional law firm
settings that focus primarily upon the representation of indigent
and low-income clients, civil rights, and activism and advocacy
to bring about positive social change. The Rosa Parks Committee regularly holds events that emphasize the importance of the
WBA’s mission and connect the organization to the greater public
interest community.
Co-Chairs: Rachel Benedict, Lydia Edwards, Sarah McClean,
Jesse White
The New Bedford/Fall River Area Committee provides WBA
members residing or practicing in Southeastern Massachusetts
with a forum to meet, network, share ideas, and participate in local programming. The Committee seeks to support the personal
and professional goals of members in this geographical location
through social and educational events.
Chair: Sharon Sullivan-Puccini
NEW LAWYERS
The New Lawyers Committee seeks to provide a forum for
new women lawyers to share their experiences, draw on each
other’s knowledge, provide advice on rising in the ranks, finding the right career path, and to meet similarly situated professionals. The Committee is among the most active committees
in the WBA. Its members meet monthly for a variety of social,
networking, and professional development programs. The Committee helps women practicing between one and ten years address both the challenges inherent in being new to the practice
of law as well as those that face women in professional settings
generally. The New Lawyers Committee also provides new
lawyers with the opportunity to assume leadership roles in the
Committee and the WBA as a whole. Co-Chairs: Margaret Caulfield, Shaina Rasmussen, Caitlin
Peale Sloan
SENIOR PRACTICE
The Senior Practice Committee is aimed at women in practice
for fifteen years or more. The Senior Practice Committee concerns itself with issues that are of interest and concern to women
attorneys who have reached a level of seniority and expertise in
their legal fields or workplaces. The group holds regular lunch
meetings to discuss substantive topics such as leadership and
communication skills, business development, the evolving role
of women in the workplace, and opportunities for experienced
practitioners to assist with the development of tomorrow’s leaders. The Committee also holds networking events and sponsors
substantive programs as well. Women from all practice areas and
work environments are welcome.
Chair: Diane Saunders
Continued on page 24
23
WBA COMMITTEE REPORTS 2016
Continued from 23
SOLO AND SMALL FIRM
associates and partners in both small and large firms. The WBA
is currently looking to identify new co-chairs for its Western
Massachusetts Committee. If you are interested in a leadership
opportunity and either live or practice in Western Massachusetts,
please contact Pattye Comfort at pcomfort@womensbar.org.
The Solo and Small Firm Committee is made up of women
who work for themselves or at small law offices. The Committee
understands how crucial peer-to-peer support is for the solo and
small firm practitioner, and focuses resources on developing and
maintaining a network among its members to provide support
and guidance to each other. Through the Committee’s listserv
and programming, members get advice on substantive areas of
law, client management, office administration, work-life balance,
and guidance on many other issues facing women who work in
the solo and small firm setting. In 2010 and 2011, the Committee held group meetings called Fee Circles, through which solo
and small firm practitioners across Massachusetts came together
to discuss how to set client hourly rates, the pros and cons of
various fee agreements, and fee collections. The Fee Circles programs won the 2011 Outstanding Member Program Award from
the National Conference of Women’s Bar Associations.
Co-Chairs: Aimee Bonacorsi, Cheryl Garrity, Chiara
LaPlume
WOMEN IN THE COURTROOM
The Women in the Courtroom Committee was newly created
this year in response to women lawyers who are drawn to litigation both by – and in spite of – the power dynamic of often being
the only woman at a crowded motion session or deposition. It
is the goal of the Committee to provide a forum and opportunity for women litigators to share war stories and memoranda,
plights and insights, and camaraderie with women of varying
levels of experience who practice in the courts. Recognizing that
women litigators have more in common than first meets the eye,
the Committee welcomes civil litigators, prosecutors and public
defenders, legal services lawyers, family lawyers, and everyone
else who finds herself in adversary proceedings from any side for
all or part of her practice, including mediators and judges. The
Women in the Courtroom Committee offers opportunities for
networking, informal mentoring, education, and information
sharing.
Co-Chairs: Christina Miller, Tara Myslinski
SOUTH SHORE
The newly revitalized South Shore Committee was created to
provide networking and support to WBA members residing or
working the South Shore area. The Committee hosts meetings
to provide networking opportunities, promote business development, and share ideas for the advancement of women in the
profession.
Chair: Michelle Troiano
WOMEN OF COLOR
It is the goal and mission of the Women of Color Committee to promote women of color in the legal profession for their
multitude of successes and to honor them for their personal and
professional accomplishments. Members of the Committee, as
women of color and attorneys by profession, strive to publicize
their diverse cultures. An important goal of the Committee is
to ensure that its contributions to the community will increase
the number and strength of women of color in the profession. This Committee, made up of women who are also caregivers,
teachers, breadwinners, role models, and cultural leaders, fulfill
a vast range of duties and celebrate all women. The Women of
Color Committee is the host of some of the WBA’s most exciting
programs, including those recognizing women of color in the
judiciary.
Chair: Kanasha Herbert
WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
The Western Massachusetts Committee of the Women’s Bar
Association provides WBA members residing or practicing in the
state’s four western counties with a forum where they may meet,
network, share ideas, and participate in local programming. The
Committee establishes a firm link with the organization as a
whole, acting as the voice that shares the experiences, challenges,
and the particular professional needs of WBA members in its
geographical location. Members range from seasoned attorneys
to law students and come from diverse practice areas ranging
from in-house counsel, solo practitioners, and public servants, to
24
WBA MALE MEMBER INITIATIVE
Are you one of the GOOD (Guys Overcoming Obstacles to Diversity) Guys? One of the ways you can demonstrate your support
for diversity in the legal profession is by becoming a member of the WBA!
Thanks to these GOOD guys who have become WBA members:
Stephen Adams | Office of the Attorney General
Andrew Lee | Janet, Jenner & Suggs, LLC
David Belfort | Bennett & Belfort, PC
Israel Lim | Ernst & Young
Todd Bennett | Bennett & Belfort, PC
Richard Loftus | Hirsch Roberts Weinstein LLP
Justin Brogden | Brogden Legal
Robert Patten | Office of the Attorney General
Thomas Caldwell | Office of the Attorney General
Max Perlman | Hirsch Roberts Weinstein LLP
David Clayton | Office of the Attorney General
Shayak Sarkar | Greater Boston Legal Services
Jared Correia | Law Office Management
Assistance Program
David Scheffler | Office of the Attorney General
Brian Flynn | Greater Boston Legal Services
Peter Georgiou | Law Offices of Peter Georgiou
Andrew Glincher | Nixon Peabody LLP
Michael Gottfried | Duane Morris LLP
John Graff | Hirsch Roberts Weinstein LLP
James Hanrahan | Bowditch & Dewey LLP
Steven Hoffman | Office of the Attorney General
Todd Kaplan | Greater Boston Legal Services
Steven Sharobem | Office of the Attorney General
Bruce Singal | Donoghue Barrett & Singal, P.C.
Matthew Solomon | Israel, Van Kooy & Days, LLC
R. Newcomb Stillwell | Ropes & Gray LLP
Cody Thornton | Attorney at Law
Gabriel Thornton | Office of the Attorney General
John Torvi | Herbert H. Landy Insurance Agency, Inc.
David White, Jr. | Breakstone, White & Gluck, P.C.
If you are interested, join online at www.womensbar.org or contact Maura Bastarache, Membership & Communications Manager,
at mbastarache@womensbar.org.
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