On February 23, 2013, the MBLA partnered with the Boston Bar Association (BBA) to host District Court Boot Camp for New Lawyers at Suffolk University Law School. The program drew over 75 participants. The event was designed to provide novice lawyers with a basic understanding of the procedural and practical world of litigating matters in the District Court. From initiating suit and arraignment up to trial, participants learned what is necessary to meet the demands of busy District Court litigators. Panelists included MBLA President-Elect Serge Georges of the Law Offices of Serge Georges, Jr., Hank Brennan of Carney & Bassil, and District Court Judge Matthew J. Machera.
For those of you who missed the program, Serge Georges provided the BBA Week with the following 5 takeaways:
1) Know the facts of your cases inside and out. There is no excuse for superficial or haphazard factual investigation.
2) Do not overestimate your legal knowledge or the unassailability of your legal position. Research and know the applicable law, rules and standing orders no matter how much you think you know.
3) Conduct effective discovery that is centered on what you need to establish your claims and defenses. Do not rely on generalized “forms” and cutting and pasting.
4) Draft concise motions that are organized, well grounded, use good citations, and that get to the point. At oral argument, be substantive but pithy and don’t talk the judge to death.
5) Join a legal organization where you can have access to more senior attorneys to get mentoring, including practical advice on strategy and drafting.
