On December 10, 2013, The Partnership, Inc. held its 26th Annual Meeting and Class of 2013 Culmination Event at the Seaport World Trade Center. The Partnership’s events cross racial, ethnic and cultural lines. They engage everyone from young professionals to senior executives and encourage open dialogue and inspire new ideas.
On December 4, 2013, the MBLA partnered once again with the Federal Bar Association (FBA) for the Annual Job Interviewing Skills Program where we conducted mock interviews for the participants in the CARE and RESTART programs at the Moakley Federal Courthouse. For the past 4 years, the MBLA has teamed up with the FBA to put on this job readiness workshop for the participants in the CARE (Court Assisted Recovery Effort) and RESTART (Reentry: Empowering Successful Todays And Responsible Tomorrows) programs. CARE and RESTART are progressive reentry programs that have gained national attention that help ex-offenders in their re-entry into society and employment.
On November 21, 2013, the MBLA, in partnership with the Boston Bar Association (BBA), hosted a reception at the BBA to honor the black judges of the Massachusetts Judiciary. The event featured introductory remarks from Chief Justice Roderick Ireland, MBLA President Abim Thomas, and Immediate Past-President Rachael Rollins. The MBLA also took the opportunity to congratulate and honor the newest appointee to the bench, MBLA's former President and now BMC Judge Serge Georges, Jr. The night provided a unique and informal opportunity for the public to meet the black judges of the Massachusetts Trial Courts, Appellate Courts and Administrative Courts.
On November 5, 2013, the MBLA partnered with the Boston Bar Association (BBA) Diversity & Inclusion Section to hold "Hanging Your Shingle: A Panel on Starting and Maintaining Your Own Practice." Those who attended heard from minority bar association leaders and other successful attorneys who have established their own practices.
On October 26, 2013, the MBLA hosted another Neighborhood Clean-Up, this time in Dudley Square. Thank you to all of the MBLA members who helped with the clean-up, and to State Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz and Boston City Councillor Tito Jackson for coming by and supporting our efforts. We had a nice turnout on a chilly Saturday morning that resulted in cleaner streets for the people of Roxbury, while giving members a chance to get to know one another.
On November 21, 2013, the MBLA, in partnetship with the Boston Bar Assoication (BBA) hosted a reception at the BBA to honor the black judges of the Massachusetts Judiciary. The event featured introductory remarks from Justice Roderick Ireland, new MBLA President Abim Thomas and Immediate Past President Rachael Rollins. The MBLA also took the opportunity to congratulate and honor the newest appointee to the bench, MBLA former President and now BMC Judge Serge Georges. The night provided a unique and informal opportunity for the public to meet the black judges of the Massachusetts Judiciary.
On October 17, 2013, the MBLA hosted a Pathways to Success Program at Ropes & Gray. The program included a welcome from Ropes & Gray Partner Diane Patrick and featured a panel of successful young partners, including Moderator Damian Wilmot and panelists Darly David, Damon Hart, Danielle Pelot and Leslie Spencer. They had a candid conversation about how they navigated their path to partnership and shared insights about their journey and tips for achieving success at all stages of your career.
District Court Boot Camp for New Lawyers Date: TBD, February, 2014 Location: TBD
On October 1, 2013, LexNoir hosted a forum at Nixon Peabody in Boston on doing business and investing in Africa. LexNoir is an international network of lawyers connecting the Africa Diaspora. Forum topics included: international private equity in Africa; developing partnership business models to do business in Africa; franchising in Africa; and black economic empowerment - what foreign investors in South Africa should know.
On September 26, 2013, the MBLA hosted its annual Fall Welcome Reception at the Blue Glass Cafe in the John Hancock Tower. The evening featured networking, practical advice, and opening remarks from Justice Geraldine S. Hines of the Massachusetts Appeals Court. The event was generously sponsored by Latham & Watkins LLP.
