2016 Women's Bar Association Annual Report

Women’s Bar Association

2016 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 WOMEN’S BAR ASSOCIATION

NEWLY ADMITTED ATTORNEYS RECEPTION ort Emerson College Ayvazian Law, PLLC MARCH 23, 2017 Michele Liu Baillie | North Shore Patents, P.C.

Opening RemarksRichard Lotus Torpy, Le Ray, Wiest & Garner, P.C. Robert Paten | Oice of the Atorney General Margaret Caulield | Alkermes Michele Liu Baillie, WBA President, North Shore Patents, P.C. Cornell & Gollub Keynote | Greater Boston Legal Services KJC Law Firm, LLC David Scheler | Oice of the Atorney General Kelleher Hon. Barbara A. Lenk, Associate Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court| Oice of Massachusettsof the Atorney General Globalizaion Partners Bruce Singal | Donoghue Barret & Singal, P.C. Lahey Health System, Inc. Distinguished Public Service Award Presentation Mathew Solomon | Israel, Van Kooy & Days, LLC Kimberly Dougherty | Andrus Wagstaf, P.C. Representative Patricia A. Haddad, FithR. Newcomb Bristol Sillwell District | Ropes & Gray LLP Leigh-Ann Durant | EMD Serono, Inc. | Atorney at Law Administraive Oice of the District Court Closing Remarks | Oice of the Atorney General Heather Engman | Massachusets Department of Public Health Rosenberg, Freedman & Lee LLP (ret.) Patricia Comfort, Executive Director, Women’s Bar| Herbert Association H. Landy Insurance Agency, Inc. | Breakstone, White & Gluck, P.C. Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane, LLP WBA Staf Raytheon ger, Sandra Lundy | Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. Patricia Comfort, Executive Director Representaive Joan Meschino | Third Plymouth District Rachel Biscardi, Deputy Director Collora LLP Maura Bastarache, Membership & Information Technology Manager Kimberly Nuzum | Publicis, Re: Sources Division The Law Oices of Camala A. Richardson Candice Jeon, Business Manager

Elizabeth Yows-Johnson, Administrative Assistant Massachusets Law Reform Insitute Debra Squires-Lee | Sherin and Lodgen LLP Laura Unlat | Law Oice of Laura M. Unlat Kamee Verdrager | KBV Law Day Pitney LLP TABLE OF CONTENTS Keynote Speaker ...... 2 Distinguished Public Service Award ...... 2 Special Thanks To The WBA’s Corporate Partners ...... 3 2016-2017 WBA Board Of Directors...... 4 WBA Emeritus Board...... 5 WBA Past Presidents ...... 6 WBA Lifetime Patron & Lifetime Members...... 7 WBA Firm Membership...... 12 Legislative Policy Committee Report...... 13 2017 Legislative Breakfast ...... 14 Community Collaborations...... 15 2016 Summer Associate, Law Clerk, and Intern Reception ...... 16 2016 Trials Facing Women Litigators ...... 17 The Beneits Of WBA Membership...... 18 Women’s Bar Foundation ...... 19 Your Practice, Your Terms ...... 20 WBA Committee Reports 2016 ...... 21 Sustaining Members ...... inside back cover

1 KEYNOTE SPEAKER Hon. Barbara A. Lenk Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court

he Honorable Barbara A. Lenk, Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, was born in Queens, New York. She received a B.A., magna cum laude, from Fordham University in 1972; a Ph.D. in political philosophy from Yale University in 1978; and a J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1979. She began her legal career in 1979 at the Boston law irm of Brown, Rudnick, Freed & Gesmer (now known as Brown Rudnick LLP), and became a partner there. Her practice focused on civil litigation, with a specialty in First Amendment matters. Justice Lenk was appointed to the Supreme Judicial Court by Governor Deval Patrick in 2011. She had previously served on the Superior Court, to which she was appointed by Governor William Weld in 1993, and on the Massachusetts Appeals Court, to which she was appointed by Governor Weld in 1995. Justice Lenk has been involved in a number of bar- related and other civic activities. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association; as Chair of the Board of Editors of the Boston Bar Journal; and twice as co-President of the Boston Inn of Court. Justice Lenk is Chairperson of the Flaschner Judicial Institute. She also currently serves as a Trustee of Western New England University.

DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD Rep. Patricia A. Haddad, Speaker Pro Tempore Massachusetts House of Representatives

Patricia A. Haddad is Speaker Pro Tempore of the Massachusetts House of Representatives representing the people of Dighton, Somerset, Swansea and Taunton. A member of the House since 2000, she has served on a variety of committees including Human Services and Elderly Afairs, Health Care, Medicaid, Natural Resources and Agriculture, Rules, Ethics and Ways and Means. Rep. Haddad served two terms as Chairwoman of the Joint Committee on Education and prior to her recent appointment as Speaker Pro Tem, was Assistant Majority Whip.

Prior to her career in government, Rep. Haddad was a health and physical education teacher in her native town of Somerset where she also served on the Recreation Commission and chaired the Somerset School Committee. She is a member of the South Coast Development Partnership Steering Committee, Advisory Committee of the University of Massachusetts/Dartmouth Center for Policy and he Neighborhood Corporation of Taunton.

During her tenure in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, she has undertaken a number of assignments including the Special Committee on Redistricting, the legislative Commission on Public Housing, Special Task Force on the Economy and Economic Development, Legislative Commission on Middle Level Education and the Council of State Governments/Eastern Region Committee on Energy and the Environment. She has been honored by many groups and organizations which include the Women of Achievement Award from the Miss Massachusetts Scholarship Pageant, Legislator of the Year Award from the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, Teacher-Leader Award from the reading Recovery Council of Massachusetts, Mass Bio-Ed Award from the Massachusetts Bio-education Association and the Public Service Award from the Massachusetts Association of Chapter 766 approved Schools. Recently, she received an Honorary Doctorate of Public Administration from Massachusetts Maritime Academy and was named Bristol Community College’s Distinguished Citizen of the Year.

Rep. Haddad is married with two adult children and resides in Somerset, Massachusetts.

2 SPECIAL THANKS TO THE WBA’S CORPORATE PARTNERS

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3 2016-2017 WBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Kristin W. Shirahama | Bowditch & Dewey, LLP

President-Elect Michele Liu Baillie | North Shore Patents, P.C.

Vice President, Membership & Statewide Outreach Bronwyn Roberts | Duane Morris LLP

Vice President, Operations Marie Chafe | Cornell & Gollub

Treasurer Jennifer Saubermann | Massachusetts Technology Collaborative

Secretary Nicole Forbes | Globalization Partners

4 WBA EMERITUS BOARD

Pamela Berman | Bowditch & Dewey, LLP

Beth Boland | Foley & Lardner LLP

Lisa Brodeur-McGan | Brodeur-McGan, P.C.

Judith Olans Brown

Martha Coakley | Foley Hoag LLP

Kathy Jo Cook | KJC Law Firm, LLC

Hon. Judith Nelson Dilday (Ret.)

Deborah DosSantos | Lahey Health System

Leigh-Ann Durant | EMD Serono, Inc.

Elaine Epstein | Todd & Weld LLP

Hon. Wendie Gershengorn (Ret.)

Hon. Nancy Gertner (Ret.)

Monica Halas | Greater Boston Legal Services

Julia Huston | Foley Hoag LLP

Ellen Kearns | Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete LLP

Hon. Carol Kenner (Ret.)

Karen Kepler | Murtha Cullina LLP

Andrea Kramer | Kramer Law LLC

Sarah McClean | Law Oice of Sarah McClean

Patricia McGovern

Rep. Joan Meschino | hird Plymouth District

Mary K. Ryan | Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP

Sandra Shapiro | Foley Hoag LLP

Jayne Tyrrell | Massachusetts IOLTA Committee

Dorothy Varon | MassMutual Financial Group

Kimberly Winter | White, Freeman & Winter, LLP

Toni Wolfman | Smith College

5 WBA PAST PRESIDENTS

he 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 four decades. heir talent, creativity, and vision have made the WBA a powerful resource and advocate for women lawyers and for equality.

With much appreciation, we salute:

Honorable Wendie Gershengorn Ellen C. Kearns ...... 1997-1998 President Pro Tem ...... 1978-1979 Beth I.Z. Boland ...... 1998-1999 Elaine Epstein ...... 1979-1980 Honorable Antoinette E.M. Leoney ...... 1999-2000 Maureen M. Phillips ...... 1980-1981 Lisa Brodeur-McGan ...... 2000-2001 Terry Jean Seligmann ...... 1981-1982 Leigh-Ann Durant ...... 2001-2002 Melinda Milberg ...... 1982-1983 Gretchen Van Ness ...... 2002-2003

Sarah Wald ...... 1983-1984 Patricia Rapinchuk ...... 2003-2004

Mary K. Ryan ...... 1984-1985 Marianne C. LeBlanc ...... 2004-2005

Sandra Shapiro ...... 1985-1986 Pamela E. Berman ...... 2005-2006

Martha Coakley ...... 1986-1988 Kathleen O’Connor ...... 2006-2007

S. Beville May ...... 1988-1989 Julia Huston ...... 2007-2008

Karen J. Kepler ...... 1989-1990 Kathy Jo Cook ...... 2008-2009

Honorable Judith Nelson Dilday ...... 1990-1991 Michelle R. Peirce ...... 2009-2010

Honorable Patricia E. Bernstein ...... 1991-1992 Deborah DosSantos ...... 2010-2011

Jamie Ann Sabino ...... 1992-1993 Nancy M. Cremins ...... 2011-2012

Jane Tewksbury ...... 1993-1994 Andrea Kramer ...... 2012-2013

Sally J. Greenberg ...... 1994-1995 Lurleen Gannon ...... 2013-2014

Jane E. Sender ...... 1995-1996 Kara DelTufo ...... 2014-2015

Sarah McClean ...... 1996-1997 Kimberly Dougherty ...... 2015-2016

6 WBA LIFETIME PATRON & LIFETIME MEMBERS LIFETIME PATRON Mindee Wasserman Mindee Wasserman JD CFP

WBA Lifetime Patron Mindee Wasserman promotes She is an avid arts fan, especially photography, dance, inancial independence and education of women. movies and theater. Mindee is a board member/ Her practice includes general inancial planning and Treasurer of the NY Hilton Club. portfolio management using mutual funds and stock Mindee has a J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo selection focusing on three major industries: inancial School of Law. She has also earned an M.B.A. from the services, healthcare, and media-telecom-technology- University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where internet. she was coordinator of the Alumni Financial Services In addition to general business law, Mindee is Roundtable. Mindee is a Certiied Financial Planner and interested in civil rights law. She is active in her temple. 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 (’93), where she served as President of the Harvard Legal Aid Legal Aid, a civil legal aid program serving the low-income Bureau. She is a long-time supporter of the WBA. She has communities of Lowell, Lawrence and Lynn. Her career has served on the WBA’s Board of Directors since 2007, and is a focused on legal services for the poor. For over two decades, past Vice President for Operations. She currently co-chairs the she was a housing litigator for Greater Boston Legal Services. WBA’s Awards, Appointments and Endorsements Committee, Stefanie is a graduate of Wellesley College (’88), where she which works to promote women’s candidacy for the judiciary. majored in Women’s Studies, and of Harvard Law School She is also a member of the WBA’s Rosa Parks Committee. LIFETIME MEMBER Mary S. Block Vice President & Senior Counsel | Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company LIFETIME MEMBER

Windy Rosebush Catino Deputy General Counsel | Randstad Professionals.

Before beginning her legal practice, Windy served as Bar Association and joined the WBA’s Appointments, a law clerk in the United States Attorney’s oice and to the Awards & Endorsements Committee. From 2008-2012, she Justices of the Superior Court of Massachusetts, where she was actively involved in the nomination process for the Lelia was mentored and inspired by strong female role models. J. Robinson Award. She also served as the moderator for the In private practice and now as in-house counsel, Windy has WBA’s program Planting the Seeds to Success: What every new defended employers since 1998 against employment claims lawyer should know in order to obtain a fulilling career, and brought before human rights agencies, as well as in the state was an active participant in the WBA’s initiative to support and federal court. She has also prosecuted and defended qualiied female lawyers seeking appointment to the bench. cases involving complex business disputes and tried a variety In the spirit of the WBA, Windy has passed on the of bench and jury trials throughout her career. mentoring tradition by continuing to mentor more junior In 2008, she became a Lifetime Member of the Women’s lawyers.

7 LIFETIME MEMBER

Elaine M. Epstein Partner | Todd & Weld LLP

Elaine practiced for almost 20 years in Brockton has been a Trustee of the Massachusetts Bar Foundation before joining Todd & Weld LLP in 1994 to direct the and Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, as well irm’s domestic relations and probate litigation practices as a member of the Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly Board with Gary Owen Todd. Elaine has tried dozens of cases of Editors. She has been active on numerous bar-related in the Probate & Family courts and resolved hundreds committees and is a frequent lecturer and commentator more short of trial, ranging from substantial asset on domestic relations law and trial practice. She is a long divisions to contested parental rights and novel issues time supporter of the Women’s Bar Foundation and sits involving the property rights of non-married cohabitants on the Emeritus Board. and the rights of non-biological parents. She has litigated In 1999, Elaine received the Women’s Bar complex jurisdictional issues and actions involving Association’s Lelia J. Robinson Award in recognition numerous cutting edge issues in the Probate & Family, of outstanding accomplishments and contributions to Superior, Federal and Appellate Courts. women in the legal profession. In 2013, Elaine was the Elaine was one of the founders and the irst president recipient of a Lawyers Weekly Top Women of Law Award of the Women’s Bar Association and is a past president and in 2015 was inducted into its Circle of Excellence. of the Massachusetts Bar Association. In 2015, she was In 2015, Elaine received the President’s Award from the appointed to the Judicial Nominating Commission Massachusetts Bar Foundation. She has been repeatedly by Governor Baker. She has been appointed by the named in the Best Lawyers in America, a “Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court to the Board of Bar Overseers, and New England Super Lawyer” by Boston Magazine in its Advisory Committee on the Rules of Professional family law, and in Boston and New England “Top Rated Conduct and the Massachusetts IOLTA Committee. She Lawyers” by the Boston Globe and Wall Street Journal.

LIFETIME MEMBER

Poppi Georges-Massey

Julia Huston Partner | Foley Hoag LLP

Julia Huston is a partner in Foley Hoag LLP’s the legal profession. A committed advocate for social Intellectual Property Department. She is the Chair justice and professional excellence in the law, Julia has of the irm’s Trademark, Copyright and Unfair also held leadership positions in several other civic, Competition Practice Group and the Co-Chair of professional and charitable organizations. She is a past the irm’s Advertising and Marketing Practice Group. president of the Boston Bar Association, a past president She is well-known for her high-proile victories in of the Greater Boston Legal Services, and past chair trademark, copyright and false advertising cases. of the Equal Justice Coalition. She has also chaired Julia’s practice includes litigation, counseling and committees for the International Trademark Association strategy in the areas of trademarks, copyrights, trade and the Intellectual Property Owners Association. secrets, internet commerce, domain name piracy, false Julia has received many honors, including the advertising, unfair competition, and patents. Julia has highest peer review rating from Martindale-Hubbell. In obtained several multi-million dollar IP judgments various publications, she has been named as one of the and settlements, including a $20.7 million verdict in top 100 lawyers in New England and one of the top 50 a false advertising case. In the context of corporate female lawyers in Massachusetts. She received the Lelia transactions, Julia has led due diligence teams that Josephine Robinson Award from Boston University have investigated and evaluated intellectual property School of Law Women’s Law Association in 2008 for rights, and provided comprehensive advice concerning exemplary leadership in the community, was selected the protection of intellectual property in licensing and by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly for a “Woman of assignment transactions. Justice” award in 2009, and received the Dow-Gardiner- Julia served as President of the WBA from 2007- Landrum Award from Greater Boston Legal Services for 2008. During her ive years on the WBA board, Julia outstanding commitment to legal services for the poor focused on various initiatives to advance women in in 2011.

8 LIFETIME MEMBER

Tamsin R. Kaplan Davis, Malm & D’Agostine, P.C.

Tamsin R. Kaplan is a shareholder at the Boston health care, manufacturing, technology, and service law irm of Davis, Malm & D’Agostine, P.C. She industries. practices in the business law, employment, and Tamsin is a former board member of the Women’s litigation areas. Tamsin has extensive experience Bar Association. She serves on the Expedited representing businesses, executives and other high-level Commercial Panel of the American Arbitration professionals on a full range of employment-related Association and on the Labor and Employment issues, including recruitment, hiring, discrimination, Curriculum Advisory Committee for Massachusetts negotiation of employment agreements, breach of Continuing Legal Education. Tamsin also serves on contract, non-competes, discipline, termination, and the board of Community Rowing, Inc., and she is a reduction in force. Tamsin regularly litigates business member of he Boston Club and Womenade Boston. and employment cases in federal and state courts She is recognized in he Best Lawyers in America, and agencies. She frequently conducts workplace by Chambers USA as a Recognized Practitioner, and investigations and trainings on diversity, harassment, by Massachusetts Super Lawyers as one of the Top and other topics, as well as writes and lectures in the 50 Women Lawyers in Massachusetts. Tamsin also complex ield of employment law. She also provides garnered the title “Funniest Lawyer in Massachusetts alternative dispute resolution services to parties 2014” for her stand-up comedy at the Women’s Bar involved in business and employment disputes and Foundation Comedy Night. She earned a J.D. (cum other civil litigation matters. Tamsin works with clients laude) from Boston College Law School and a B.A. in a wide variety of industries, including education, (magna cum laude) from Tuts University.

LIFETIME MEMBER

Michelle Keith Attorney at Law

In 2015, Michelle Keith was appointed as a Justices in all phases of civil and criminal litigation. Commissioner on Bristol County’s Massachusetts As a law fellow, she worked extensively with the Commission on the Status of Women. Ms. Keith Justices on trials, hearings and motion sessions, served as WBA Regional Director for New Bedford/ and prepared drat decisions, legal memoranda and Fall River, 2011-2015. During her irst term, she proposed jury instructions. helped organize the monthly “View from the Bench” Ms. Keith also earned a Master of Business series for the WBA at UMass Law broadcasting Administration (MBA) with specialization in inance the series on Dartmouth Community Television. from University of Massachusetts Boston. Prior to In March 2014, she graduated from University of law school, Michelle has worked at the Massachusetts London (UOL) earning her Master of Laws (LL.M.) Bay Transportation Authority ensuring EEO/AA degree with a specialization in public international compliance with federal and state civil rights laws, law focusing, in particular, on women’s rights. From Title VI, VII, 151b, and ADA. Born in Boston, Ms. 2010-2011, she served as a law fellow to the Justices Keith currently resides in Dartmouth, Massachusetts of the Massachusetts Superior Court assisting the with her husband and two sons.

9 LIFETIME MEMBER

Michelle Menken Solo Practitioner | The Law Oice of Michelle Menken

Michelle Menken is an appellate practitioner agencies and disciplinary bodies as well. concentrating on criminal cases in the Massachusetts Attorney Menken joined Rankin & Sultan ater and First Circuit courts of appeal. She serves on both graduating from Northeastern University School of the CPCS post-conviction panel for indigent appellants Law in 1999. While in law school, Michelle’s internship in state court, and the First Circuit’s CJA appellate employers included the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil panel for indigent appellants in federal court. She is Rights Under Law, the CPCS Youth Advocacy Project, also available to other attorneys to consult on issue- and the law irm of Stern, Shapiro, Weissberg and Garin. preservation at the trial level, and for research and Attorney Menken is a member of the Massachusetts writing assignments involving complex or novel issues. Bar, the U.S. District Court Bar, and the Bar of the Prior to opening her own oice in January 2016, U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. She sits Attorney Menken was a partner at Rankin & Sultan, a on the Criminal Justice Act Board of the U.S. District criminal litigation and appellate law irm. She appeared Court. She belongs to the Massachusetts Association of regularly in state trial courts, in state and federal Criminal Defense Lawyers and is a lifetime member of appellate courts, and before various administrative 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 providing representation for buyers and sellers as well as a wide spectrum of multi-national companies based partnering with key banks to provide real estate closing both in and outside the United States. She has services. experience assisting clients in every context in which Ms. Perini-Hegarty is licensed to practice an international or domestic business law issue may in Massachusetts and before the U.S. Court of arise and has successfully negotiated a wide variety of International Trade as well as the U.S. Court of Appeals complex transactions in these areas. for the Federal Circuit. She is a Certiied Global In addition to her focus on international business Business Professional (CGBP), an accreditation given law, Ms. Perini-Hegarty has grown the residential by NASBITE International and is a licensed real estate and commercial real estate practice of the irm by broker in Massachusetts.

10 LIFETIME MEMBER

Rebecca G. Pontikes Pontikes Law LLC

Rebecca G. Pontikes, the principal owner of Women’s Bar Associations for its Fee Circles program. Pontikes Law LLC, has been a passionate advocate for She is also active with the WBA’s Legislative Policy the rights of employees, particularly women, since Committee. She was a member of the Legislative Policy 1997. Committee’s Pay Equity Task Force and currently serves Rebecca focuses her work on gender related as one of the WBA’s liaisons to the Massachusetts Equal issues, particularly sex and pregnancy discrimination, Pay Coalition, an association of advocacy groups that accommodation for pregnant women, and family lobbied for the passage of the Equal Pay Law. responsibilities (caregiver) discrimination. Rebecca is also an active member of the Since becoming a lawyer in 1997, she has dedicated Massachusetts Chapter of National Employment most of her bar association involvement to the WBA, Lawyers Association (MELA). A graduate of the becoming a Lifetime Member in 2012. Rebecca University of Michigan Law School and Tuts currently serves on the WBA’s Board of Directors and University, Rebecca has repeatedly been selected by her co-chaired the Solo and Small Firm Committee for a peers as a “Superlawyer” and was named a Top Woman decade. Under her leadership, the Solo and Small irm of Law by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly in 2012, Committee received the 2011 Outstanding Member and was named one of the top 50 women lawyers by Program Award from the National Conference of SuperLawyers in 2015.

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11 WBA FIRM MEMBERSHIP he WBA Firm Membership Program is ideal for law irms legal services agency makes a statement to its women attorneys and other legal employers interested in making a strong com- that it shares their goals for improving society and helping them mitment to advancing women in the legal profession. his succeed in the profession. WBA Firm Members show that they program provides a way for organizations to enroll all Massachu- understand the need for women professionals to have access setts-based women attorneys as WBA members at a discount- to strong networks in the legal profession as well as in relevant ed membership rate. Firm members are recognized regularly business groups. WBA Firm Membership works for a irm of in WBA advertising materials, through special articles in our any size and can serve as an external complement to its women’s publications, and on the WBA website. Each woman who is part initiative. of a irm membership receives an enhanced listing in our online With the WBA as a respected voice on policy issues and a referral directory. hub of networking opportunities for women professionals, the While the discounts and publicity no doubt provide irms membership exposes women attorneys to important business with value on their own, there is also an important cultural development opportunities and opportunities for helping others. beneit to irms that demonstrate a willingness to provide WBA Because the WBA assists its members in building their practic- memberships to all women attorneys. As the WBA celebrates 38 es and advancing their careers, the WBA places a premium on years, there is no question that it is one of the state’s leading bar ofering leadership opportunities to even its newest members, associations and the key resource for women lawyers in Massa- giving each one a chance to hone the very skills that are import- chusetts. By committing to the WBA as a Firm Member, a law ant to professional success. irm, government agency, corporate legal department, or makes Thank you to our current Firm Members:

Bowditch & Dewey, LLP Levitt Law Group Burns & Levinson LLP Middlesex County District Attorney’s Oice City of Boston Morgan, Brown & Joy, LLP Conn Kavanaugh Rosenthal Peisch & Ford, LLP Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP Donoghue Barrett & Singal, P.C. Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP Duane Morris LLP Oice of the Attorney General Emerson College Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. Fish & Richardson P.C. Pierce Atwood LLP Foley Hoag LLP Riemer & Braunstein LLP Gesmer Updegrove LLP Ruberto, Israel & Weiner, P.C. Greater Boston Legal Services Seyfarth Shaw LLP Hartley Michon Robb LLP Stone, Stone & Creem Hirsch Roberts Weinstein LLP Sugarman and Sugarman, P.C. Kimball Brousseau LLP Sugarman, Rogers, Barshak & Cohen, P.C. Krokidas & Bluestein LLP Sunstein Kann Murphy & Timbers LLP Latham & Watkins LLP Todd & Weld LLP

To learn more about Firm Membership, contact Bronwyn Roberts, Vice President of Membership and State- wide Outreach at [email protected] or Maura Bastarache, the WBA’s Membership & Information Tech- nology Manager at [email protected]. he WBA will always work with irm members to customize the right package of membership and beneits for their particular organizations.

12 LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE REPORT

The WBA’s Legislative Policy Committee (LPC) is the MotherWoman, a nonproit that focuses on empowering mothers. legislative arm of the Women’s Bar Association. Its dedicated After the WBA highlighted the PWFA at its 2016 legislative members track the development of priority legislation, identify new breakfast, the PWFA Coalition pushed the “100 Card Challenge” issues that require the WBA’s support, and share information about and encouraged supporters to send cards to House Speaker Robert the legislative process with attorneys across the state. DeLeo to prioritize the bill. Toward the end of the legislative session momentum was building and on July 20, 2016 The Boston WBA Action -- 2016 Legislative Year Globe editorialized in favor of the bill. The Senate also passed Every year the LPC makes a recommendation to the WBA Board its comprehensive Economic Development bill that included the of Directors about which bills should be organizational priorities. PWFA, however, the bill language was ultimately not included in The WBA testiies at legislative hearings and takes additional action the inal House-Senate compromise Economic Development bill. as needed during the session. For other bills that are on its agenda The stand-alone bill ended the legislative session in the House Ways as “bills we are monitoring,” the WBA submits letters to the relevant & Means Committee, however a major breakthrough occurred legislative committees. In addition, the WBA hosts a breakfast when the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM), the largest event each year to present its legislative agenda to legislators. employer trade association in Massachusetts, indicated they would What follows is a summary of our legislative actions and be willing to be part of conversations to advance the bill. achievements in 2016 on our priority bills. The PWFA Coalition is regrouping to discuss strategy for the new 2017-2018 legislative session. 2016 Priority Legislation Transgender Civil Rights: On July 8, 2016, Governor Char- Employment: An Act to Establish Pay Equity (S2119). On lie Baker signed into law S.2407, An Act Relative to Transgender August 1, 2016, Governor Charlie Baker signed into law S. 2119, Anti-Discrimination. he civil rights legislation allows transgender An Act to Establish Pay Equity. This legislation will help address people to access locker rooms and bathrooms based on their gender the gender wage gap by clarifying the deinition of comparable identity and provides explicit legal protections in public spaces, work; allowing employees to discuss their salaries without the threat such as retail stores, restaurants, medical facilities and hotels. Full of retaliation from their employer; banning the practice of requiring implementation of the law went into efect on October 1, 2016. salary history during the hiring process; and encouraging employers he WBA was a member of the Freedom Massachusetts Coalition, to evaluate their own pay practices and implement changes to end a bipartisan group of advocacy organizations, businesses, public pay disparities voluntarily. The law goes into effect in July 2018, oicials, faith organizations and educational institutions that backed and the Attorney General is tasked with issuing regulations to the bill. In February 2016, the WBA along with MassNOW led an implement the new law. efort on behalf of over 20 women’s groups across the state, includ- The WBA formed its Pay Equity Task Force in September 2014 ing those that advocate for victims of violence and sexual assault, to research the gender pay gap and propose legislation to help calling on the legislature to pass the bill. he letter campaign high- close the gap. The WBA Task Force, co-chaired by Nina Kimball lighted how forcing a transgender person to use a facility that does and Deborah Benson, along with the Massachusetts Chapter of the not match their gender identity makes them extremely vulnerable to National Organization of Women (MassNOW) drafted the originally harassment and sexual assault and how this legislation will beneit iled bill, sponsored by Representative Jay Livingstone and Senator transgender women. he new law expands upon Chapter 199 of the Patricia Jehlen. At the beginning of the 2015-2016 legislation Acts of 2011, which added “gender identity” as a protected charac- session, the WBA, MassNOW, and the Massachusetts Commission teristic to the Commonwealth’s employment, housing, credit, public on the Status of Women (MCSW) founded the Massachusetts Equal education and hate crime laws. he new law extends gender identity Pay Coalition, which consisted of more than 50 organizations that protections to include public accommodations as well. worked over the course of the session alongside legislators, Attorney General Maura Healey, and the business community to help advance Women’s Health: Since May 2013, a working group of volunteers the bill. from the WBA, led by Deborah Benson, have researched, drated The Coalition held several Equal Pay lobby days and legislative and advocated for An Act Establishing Civil and Criminal Penalties brieings at the State House as well as issued many calls to action for Female Genital Mutilation (S1116/H1530), which would protect among its members. In addition, then-President of the WBA, girls in Massachusetts from female genital mutilation and cutting Kim Dougherty, delivered compelling testimony at the bill’s (FGM/C). FGM involves removing part or all of a girl’s external public hearing in front of the Labor and Workforce Development sex organs and surrounding tissue for non-medical reasons, which Committee. can result in adverse health consequences, death in childbirth, Massachusetts now has the most comprehensive pay equity law and lifelong trauma. FGM is recognized by the UN as a human in the country as a result of a well-coordinated advocacy effort. rights violation. The FGM working group conducted extensive An Act Establishing the Mass. Pregnant Workers Fairness research, reviewing international, federal and state laws, United Act (H1769) would amend MGL ch.151B § 4, to cover women Nations resolutions, World Health Organization documents, and (pregnant and nursing) who need minor accommodations. Rebecca numerous studies and reports from non-proits. The group secured Pontikes, WBA board member and Legislative Policy Committee key relationships and 34 letters of support from organizations, member, represented the WBA on the Pregnant Workers Fairness such as Equality Now, Planned Parenthood, MassNOW, MassKids, Act (”PWFA”) Coalition, which consisted of more than 25 Continued on page 14 organizations advocating for the bill. The Coalition was led by

13 2015-2016 Priority Legislation Continued from 13 MSPCC, Jane Doe, Inc., Casa Myrna Vazquez, and Healthy Tomorrow, as well as two local city councilors and over 60 legislative cosponsors and leaders. On January 27, 2016, the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators held a brieing to educate legislators on the FGM bill. During 2016, new working group members were secured to address the issue of public education and community outreach. As supported by statements from the UN, the WHO, and other non-governmental organizations, the working group’s strategy was to combine legislation, public education, and community outreach as necessary components to end FGM/C in the Commonwealth. The FGM legislation was redrafted by the Judiciary Committee in a version not (from left) Back Row: District Attorney Marian Ryan, Patricia Comfort, and Kristin W. Shirahama favored by the working group and ended Front Row: Rachel Biscardi, Boston City Councillor Ayanna Pressley, Krina Patel, and Nicole Forbes the formal session in a study order in the Health Care Financing Committee. However, shortly before the session 2017 LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST ended in July 2016, Representative Gloria Fox and Senator Harriette Chandler, At its annual Legislative Breakfast on February 7, 2017, the WBA shared its 2017 with the Massachusetts Caucus of legislative agenda at the Massachusetts State House. his year’s breakfast was sponsored by House Speaker Pro Tempore, Representative Patricia Haddad. WBA President Kristin Women Legislators, sponsored and Shirahama provided an overview of the WBA’s advocacy eforts over the past year drafted a House and Senate Resolution highlighting the passage of the pay equity and transgender public accommodations bills. “Condemning the practice of female Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley urged a “call to action” for all WBA members, genital mutilation and all forms of encouraging them to speak up and be active especially in light of the recent threats to gender-based violence.” women’s rights. Co-Chairs of the LPC, Nicole Forbes and Krina Patel, introduced three of The working group, with its allies and six WBA priorities for 2017: partners, has iled a revised bill in the new 2017-2018 legislative session. Family Welfare Cap Repeal: Representative Marjorie Decker and Director of the Grow Clinic for Children at the Boston Medical Center Deborah A. Frank, M.D. spoke about Legal Services Funding: On July SD1762/HD1262 - An Act to Lit the Cap on Kids. his bill would repeal the Family Cap - a law which denies TAFDC cash assistance to a child born ater the family irst received 8, 2016, Governor Charlie Baker signed TAFDC. he current law excludes 9,500 children from their families’ cash assistance. the FY17 state budget approving $18 million for the Massachusetts Legal Paid Family and Medical Leave: A stafer from Senator Karen Spilka’s oice spoke about Assistance Corporation (“MLAC”) line SD1768/HD2573 - An Act Establishing a Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program. his item 0321-1600, which provides funding bill would make employees eligible for job-protected paid leave to recover from a serious for legal services, the Battered Women’s illness or injury, to care for a seriously ill or injured family member, or to care for a new child. Legal Assistance Project, a Medicare advocacy program, and a Disability Contraceptive Access: WBA board member Jamie Sabino spoke about SD939/HD450 Beneits Project. The funding represents - An Act Relative to Advancing Contraception Coverage and Economic Security. his bill a $1 million increase over the FY16 state would protect and expand access to contraceptives by requiring insurers in Massachusetts to cover all FDA-approved contraceptive methods without cost-sharing, including appropriation. The WBA participated in coverage of OTC contraceptives without a prescription. the Equal Justice Coalition’s 2016 Walk to the Hill for Civil Legal Aid, issued LPC Co-Chair Ann Morse Hartner discussed the WBA’s other legislative priorities this action alerts to its members throughout session: SD338 /HD955 - An Act Establishing the Massachusetts Pregnant Workers Fairness the budget process and wrote a letter Act; SD1466/HD2873 - An Act to Protect Girls from Genital Mutilation; and FY2018 budget to the Budget Conference Committee to funding of $23M for the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC) Budget Line support increased funding for this line Item 0321-1600, which will fund civil legal services programs throughout Massachusetts. item. Rachel Biscardi, the WBA’s Deputy Director, closed the program, urging WBA members to get involved and legislators to advance measures in line with the WBA’s mission of creating a “just society.”

14 COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS

Objections All Around: Looking at the Brock Turner Case and Sexual Assault in the Court System he WBA has long been a leader in educating its members and the public on the dangers of ignoring interpersonal violence. Ater a summer of outrage and soul-searching about what many considered to be too lenient a sentence for California college student Brock Turner, the WBA turned the frustration into a teaching opportunity. On October 17, 2016, the WBA held a meaningful and sensitive discussion on sexual assault cases and the realities of the criminal justice system. Mintz Levin hosted the event, which truly showcased the organization’s ability to collaborate with allies in our community. Professor Rosanna Cavallaro of Sufolk Law moderated the panel, which featured Stacy Malone of the Victim Rights Law Center, Cathleen Bennett, Criminal Defense Training Director, Committee for Public Counsel Services and Gloriann Moroney, General Counsel, Massachusetts Parole Board. While each speaker brought a diferent perspective to her evaluation of the case, there was no question that every participant demonstrated compassion and commitment to the core social justice mission of the WBA. Attendees included attorneys, advocates for survivors of sexual violence, and students from local colleges and law schools. he GC/Executive Relationship: How Experts Make it Look Easy As every WBA member knows, the organization is deeply committed to the success of its members in their careers, regardless of the path they take or their practice setting. he WBA continues to ind new and innovative ways to address the needs of the growing number of women who have opted to practice in corporations, non-proit organizations and government agencies. On November 7, 2016, the WBA’s In-House Counsel Committee held an event aimed at helping its members succeed in their relationships with their internal business clients. Hosted by law irm member Latham & Watkins, the event featured a candid discussion about organizational expectations and laying the foundation for long-term collaborations. Key to the success of this event was the introduction of the perspective of the internal clients themselves. he panel included longtime colleagues Patricia Campbell, Executive Vice President of Tuts University and Mary Jeka, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Tuts University. hey described how they detly handle the challenges of working at a large, well-established, higher education institution. On the other end of the spectrum, the panel featured Nicole Sahin, CEO of Globalization Partners, one of the country’s fastest growing startups, along with her General Counsel Nancy Cremins, who was her former outside counsel and moved in-house within the past year. hey discussed the exciting and hectic pace of their operation and the importance of the trust they have developed. Both veteran and new in-house attorneys greatly appreciated the frank advice, war stories and inspiring themes from the panel.

15 2016 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-to- be women attorneys. This year’s event was held in Boston on July 13, 2016, generously hosted by Duane Morris LLP and chaired by Bronwyn Roberts, a WBA board member and an employment partner at Duane Morris LLP. The keynote speaker was Chief Justice Patti B. Saris of the Federal District Court of the District of Massachusetts. The event provided attendees with the opportunity to meet practicing lawyers, socialize with peers, and hear an inspirational keynote address. The guests were greeted by Ms. Roberts and welcomed by WBA President Kristin Shirahama and WBA Executive Director Pattye Comfort, who each shared their thoughts on the great beneits of involvement in the WBA. Chief Justice Saris spoke about her path to success, and credited the encouragement of former Massachusetts Attorney General (from left) Adanna Uwazurike and Ritika Bhakhri Martha Coakley (a then-WBA Board Member) for her decision to apply for her irst judicial position. Chief Justice Saris gave anecdotal stories about inding professional opportunities, including those in public service. She encouraged the soon-to-be lawyers who may someday seek to become judges, to take every courtroom opportunity they can get so as to be ready for irst chair opportunities when they present themselves. Following the remarks, 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, and to make new friends and connect with old ones. (from left) Kristin W. Shirahama, Chief Justice Patti B. Saris, and Patricia Comfort

16 2016 TRIALS FACING WOMEN LITIGATORS AND TIPS FOR SUCCESS

On June 29, 2016, 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 Courthouse. More than one hundred attorneys and law students attended the lively discussion about the challenges women litigators face. he event was co-chaired by Kate Isley, Julie Ferraro, and Lauren Barnes. he event was sponsored by O’Brien & Levine Court Reporting Services and Lauren Barnes was the moderator.

he panel included: Justice Gabrielle Wolohojian of the Massachusetts Appeals Court, Shira Diner, supervising attorney for the Criminal Defense Training Unit for the Committee of Public Counsel Services, Annette Gonthier-Kiely, a partner at Annette Gonthier-Kiely & Associates, P.C., Andrea Peraner-Sweet, a partner at Sally & Fitch LLP, and Raquel Webster, senior counsel at National Grid. Panelists covered many topics including client development, gender-speciic obstacles, leadership qualities that are essential to being a good litigator, skills and qualities that help secure more litigation opportunities, and tips for advancing one’s career and growth in the workplace.

he discussion was engaging and panelists gave personal examples as they answered questions. Immediately following the event, participants enjoyed a reception and networking session at Committee restaurant.

Join the WBA TODAY!

In addition to connecting with women attorneys throughout Massachusetts, WBA members can: THE FAMILY LAW PROJECT FOR BATTERED WOMEN

Join one of our 30 committees, ranging from The FLP recruits, trains, and mentors volunteer attorneys to  represent low-income domestic violence survivors in their family law cases. Alternative Dispute Resolution to Legislative Taking a case allows attorneys to hone their courtroom skills, develop case Policy to Business Development and more! strategies, and work directly with clients.

 Join one of our regional mentoring circles No prior family law or litigation experience is required.

Enjoy member benefits such as Brooks The FLP conducts in-depth trainings for pro bono attorneys.  Every volunteer who accepts a case is assigned a mentor, an experienced Brothers, MWI Mediation Services, and family law practitioner who guides a volunteer attorney through his or her Healthworks first case.

Attend WBA programs throughout the year 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 For more information, contact Maura Bastarache, Membership & relations attorneys. Join the WBF community of lawyers. Information Technology Manager, at [email protected].

Contact Rachel Biscardi, Deputy Director, for more information at 27 School Street, Suite 500 • Boston, MA 02108 • 617.973.6666 • www.womensbar.org [email protected].

17 THE BENEFITS OF WBA MEMBERSHIP here 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 ind 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 he value of social media as a networking and advocacy tool can’t be underestimated. he WBA understands the important role social media has in organizational communication and can be found on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter! he 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. he WBA LinkedIn Group is another great resource for 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 let out of the world of hashtags and tweets, the WBA also has a Twitter feed. he 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. he Women’s Bar Review – What Matters to Women Lawyers he Women’s Bar Review is the WBA’s bi-annual publication that highlights 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 eforts, 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 staf or have an article idea, contact Pattye Comfort at [email protected].

WBA’s Member Beneits 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. We now proudly ofer members the opportunity to save on everything from courier services to dry cleaning. he WBA thanks its providers and looks forward to inding new ways to help members ind value in their membership.

2 Places at 1 Time, Inc. his Brooks Brothers. As a Brooks eLuminate Client Management Lisa’s Hands of Time Personal provider not only runs Brothers Corporate Member, Sotware. eLuminate ofers Concierge. For members errands for customers, it also WBA members receive a 15% a 10% discount for one year who wish they could get a ofers discounts on leading discount every day. and a free two-month trial on hand with some personal jewelry, loral, travel, git, client management sotware. errands, this provider ofers a vacation, automotive and car Cooking From the Heart. For discount and that assistance. rental services. busy lawyers interested in EMK Consulting Group, LLC. delivery of healthy meals, EMK Consulting Group MWI Mediation Services. Amaci Salon. Amaci Salon is Cooking From the Heart ofers a 10% discount on MWI ofers 10% of recognized as one of Boston’s ofers a discounted rate on Business Development negotiation and mediation top hair salons specializing in getting some nourishment. Coaching. training programs. color, highlights and design cuts. WBA members receive Dependable Cleaners. A Healthworks & Republic One Shot Couriers. Need to a discounted rate on products percentage of the dry Fitness. Members enjoy a get something somewhere and visits. cleaning bill will help $75 initiation fee and $10 of in a pinch? If you also attorneys manage both their monthly membership. want 10% of, let One Shot Boston Portrait Company. professional and personal Couriers know you are a If you are in need of a wardrobes. he Kids Place, Inc. A variety WBA member when you call business portrait, your WBA of child care options are for help. membership entitles you Doris O. Wong Associates, available at a 5% discount to a discount on a sitting Inc. WBA members receive through this provider. Renta Yenta. his personal with this downtown Boston discounted court reporting assistant and concierge photographer. services when they mention service ofers a discount to their membership. WBA members eager to get some tasks accomplished outside the oice. More information is available at www.womensbar.org. If you know of a business that would be interested in ofering WBA member discounts, please contact WBA Vice President of Membership & Statewide Outreach Bronwyn Roberts at [email protected].

18 The WBA and the WBF SISTER ORGANIZATIONS, STILL FIGHTING FOR WOMEN

At the Women’s Bar Association’s (WBA) annual gala, 700+ WBA members and leaders in the legal community heard Nina’s story. Nina came to the Women’s Bar Foundation (WBF) frightened for her young daughter, Daniela. Daniela’s father had a long criminal record and Nina needed to keep her daughter safe from him. Nina had been to court by herself three times to try to reduce his parenting time, to no avail. hat’s when the WBF stepped in, providing her with a volunteer attorney. Walking into court with a WBF attorney by her side, Nina was equipped with invaluable resources: an expert to help her navigate a complex justice system and an advocate who would not rest until Nina and her daughter found the safety they needed. Nina’s attorney proved to the court that Daniela’s father was abusing drugs, engaging in criminal activities, and failing to show-up for his allotted parenting time. he court suspended parenting time. hree months later, Daniela’s father was indicted for murder. hanks to the hard work of Nina and her WBF volunteer attorney, it was neither Nina nor Daniela who had been harmed by Daniela’s father. Every year the Women’s Bar Foundation recruits, trains, and mobilizes volunteer attorneys to provide pro-bono legal assistance to 2,000 low-income individuals throughout the Commonwealth. We support our volunteer attorneys by providing them with a network of volunteer mentors—experienced practitioners who serve as an “on-call” panel of experts and provide one-on-one guidance to our attorneys. hrough targeted pro-bono projects, we work to end the cycle of domestic violence, prevent homelessness, support incarcerated women as they work to rebuild their lives, and help elders maintain peace of mind and personal autonomy as they age. Founded in 1993 by a group of WBA members, the WBF is grateful for its longstanding relationship with the WBA and would like to thank those who attended the Women’s Bar Association gala and supported the work of the WBF. To learn more about the WBF, become a volunteer or mentor, or ind out about how else you can help low-income women, families, and elders in need, contact Rebecca Cohen, the Women’s Bar Foundation’s Director of Strategic Partnerships at 617-973-6666 extension 2211 or [email protected].

Snapshot of 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 irst 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.

he 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 and to prepare these documents 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 Hampden County Housing Court Project provides legal services for low-income families facing eviction. he attorneys volunteered their time to appear in Western Division Housing Court on hursdays (known as “Eviction Day”) to lend assistance to those facing imminent homelessness.

he Women’s Prison and Re-Entry Project 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, beneits, and CORI. he Women’s Prison and Re-Entry Project operates at MCI-Framingham, South Bay House of Correction in Sufolk County, and McGrath House.

19 Your Practice, Your Terms HOW BRANDING PROVIDES WOMEN ATTORNEYS WITH MORE VOICE AND CHOICE IN THEIR CAREERS

As women attorneys are painfully aware, we have comprised around 47 percent of graduating law school classes since 2000, and yet women represent only about 18 percent of equity partners nationwide. he reasons for the proverbial leak in the pipeline are complicated and systemic. he profession is working to implement change to address the gender gap and retain female talent, but in the meantime women attorneys must ind ways to make their careers work for them. here are two ways to compete in the legal profession: billable hours and building a book of business. A focus on the latter allows attorneys to develop equity in their careers, and thus have more leverage in telling irms what they need to succeed and remain at the irm. However, business development can seem daunting and time-consuming for most attorneys. To support WBA members and provide best practices in creating a high-achieving brand, the WBA collaborated with Anusia Gillespie, Founder and Principal of Banava Consulting, to provide a recurring Rising Attorney Branding Seminar throughout the fall of 2016 and on February 1, 2017. In the 90-minute interactive workshop, Anusia detailed the professional branding process, illustrated how selling authenticity earns clients, and repositioned business development from a chore to a creative outlet for professional growth. Participants found the workshop highly engaging, described having “light bulb” moments, and let with practical advice to elevate their professional presence through branding. Anusia has built her own brand over the years using the practices she taught in these seminars, culminating in her acceptance of a new position at Harvard Law School Executive Education as the Senior Manager of Program Development. Accordingly, Anusia has retired the Banava Consulting brand and will proceed under “Anusia Gillespie: Your Practice, Your Terms.” Anusia Gillespie leading the discussion.

20 WBA COMMITTEE REPORTS 2016

business. he Committee arises, in part, from studies citing business ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION development as one of the key obstacles to women’s progression as he Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee discusses equity partners in law irms. Since rainmakers are decision-makers issues facing women attorneys in the alternative dispute resolution in irms, in order to efect positive change such as promoting work- arena, including mediation, arbitration, and other forms of conlict life balance, it is the Business Development Committee’s goal to management. In addition, the ADR Committee serves as a resource help all women develop business in order to promote their inancial for WBA members to expand their understanding of all ADR independence and expand available career options. he Committee techniques and efective dispute resolution advocacy. ADR is an aims to provide women with the skills necessary to develop business increasingly important component of every lawyer’s practice and while simultaneously creating a network of contacts. In addition, can contribute to practice building. he ADR Committee works to the Committee works to analyze, explore, and address the unique further advance women in the ield. challenges facing women lawyers in the area of business development. Co-Chairs: Jessica Block, Conna Weiner Chair: Sheryl Bourbeau, Jessica Ragosta Early, Chiara LaPlume, Jennifer Sunderland AMICUS he Amicus Committee writes and joins amicus briefs on various CAPE COD AND ISLANDS issues afecting women and the law. he Committee’s goal is to he Cape Cod and Islands Committee was created in response provide the Supreme Judicial Court, as well as other Commonwealth to the vibrant community of women attorneys who live or work courts and federal courts, with well-written and researched on Cape Cod or the Islands. he Committee hosts meetings and briefs that support the positions and concerns of the WBA as an programs to provide networking opportunities, promote business organization. In order to ensure fulillment of the WBA mission, development, and share ideas for the advancement of women in the the Committee evaluates and responds to requests from individuals profession. and organizations that approach the WBA requesting amicus Chair: Camala Richardson support. he Committee also independently reviews the amicus announcements from the appellate courts to determine if a pending case warrants WBA support. Consistent with the WBA’s mission, CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS the WBA has iled briefs in cases involving alimony, child support, he Central Massachusetts Committee provides WBA members domestic violence, domestic relations, employment, discrimination, residing or practicing in Worcester County and surrounding towns sexual harassment, gender equality, spousal elective share, with a forum where they may meet, network, share ideas, and reproductive rights, and reproductive technology. he WBA seeks participate in local programming. he Committee establishes a irm senior attorneys who can provide expertise in particular areas of law, link with the organization as a whole, acting as the voice that shares experienced appellate writers, and new attorneys with an interest in the experiences, challenges, and the particular professional needs of crating legal arguments that will articulate the position and concerns the WBA members in this geographic location. of the WBA as an organization. Chair: Donna Truex Co-Chairs: Elizabeth Brusie, Aton Templin COMMUNICATIONS APPOINTMENTS, AWARDS AND he Communications Committee is dedicated to promoting the organization’s public presence. he Committee allows members ENDORSEMENTS to tap into any communications activity that piques their interest. he Appointments, Awards and Endorsements Committee Activities on the agenda include: media outreach, drating press (AA&E) actively encourages and supports women interested releases and articles, overseeing member communications, launching in elevation to the bench by organizing educational programs the organization’s social media initiatives, creating advertising and concerning the judicial nominating process, pairing nominees with marketing materials, developing networking relationships between judicial mentors who can supply advice and encouragement through the WBA and other legal and business organizations, and planning the selection process, and providing other support to qualiied programs around media issues. candidates through the conirmation process. he AA&E Committee Co-Chairs: Kate Isley, Catherine Lizotte also encourages and supports women attorneys seeking elected oice and other appointments in partnership with other organizations. In addition, the AA&E Committee makes recommendations to EMPLOYMENT ISSUES the WBA concerning awards that recognize the contributions of he Employment Issues Committee is concerned with women lawyers to the legal profession and society, and promotes workplace issues afecting women lawyers, such as part-time work, nominations of notable women attorneys for prestigious awards in compensation issues, the evaluation process, and the so-called “glass the profession and community. ceiling.” Since 2000, the Committee has issued two groundbreaking Chair: Patricia Rich reports. he irst, More han Part-Time: he Efect of Reduced-Hours on the Retention, Recruitment, and Success of Women Attorneys in Law Firms, explored reduced hours arrangements at the 100 largest law BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT irms in Massachusetts. he second, Where Are We Now? A Report he mission of the Business Development Committee is to on the Occupational Status of Women Attorneys in Massachusetts, promote the success of women in the law by creating an open is a statistical study of the gender distribution of Massachusetts environment to understand and build the skills necessary to develop Continued on page 22

21 WBA COMMITTEE REPORTS 2016 Continued from 21 attorneys among various employer types and the gender distribution of active, inactive, and retired attorneys in Massachusetts. Now, the LAW FIRM ADVANCEMENT he goal of the Law Firm Advancement Committee is to help Committee seeks to move beyond its quantitative work to research women and law irms advance women into partnerships and what strategies have worked for women in other professions, as well management positions. he Committee has held programs in as within the legal community, to address and combat the existing response to recent data showing that despite almost 25 years of gender inequity. he next goal of the EIC will be to produce a “Best women graduating law school in equal proportion to men, women Practices” guide for women attorneys at all levels, gathered from lawyers in Massachusetts comprise only 17.9% of equity partner women professionals at all levels. ranks. he Committee convened a summit of law irm managing Co-Chairs: Jennifer Belli, Laura Unlat, Kimberly Winter partners and in-house counsel, which generated a 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 GOVERNMENT LAWYERS items for law irms include training all attorneys on unconscious bias, he Government Lawyers Committee was created to address business development, leadership skills, and project management. issues of importance to women working in public service, including Co-Chairs: Sarah Gagan, Heather Gamache, Jody Newman, all branches of local, state, and federal government. Committee Bronwyn Roberts members meet regularly 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 LAW STUDENT he Law Student Committee is designed to meet the needs from the Sufolk County District Attorney’s Oice, the Legislature, of female law students. he Committee sponsors its signature and the City of Boston. he Committee is looking forward to Mentoring Circle Programs at area law schools throughout the developing many more large and small-scale events and discussions academic year. hese Circles are candid, informal question and to promote women lawyers in government practice. answer sessions with panelists who are practicing attorneys, Co-Chairs: Kristy Lavigne, Amy Nable oten alumnae of the law school. he Committee also hosts social events periodically and a popular speed-networking event each spring. Students from all area law schools are welcome to get GREATER BOSTON involved by attending one or more Committee events. If you are he Greater Boston Committee was created to provide new interested in leading this committee, please contact Pattye opportunities to the growing community of women attorneys who live or Comfort, Executive Director, at [email protected]. work in Greater Boston. he 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. We meet monthly for networking and socializing. LEGISLATIVE POLICY he Legislative Policy Committee (LPC) plays a key role in Chair: Lesley Leonessa carrying out the WBA’s mission as a voice for social justice. he Committee develops and monitors the WBA legislative agenda, prepares testimony for hearings, and drats letters to elected oicials JUDICIAL PIPELINE COMMITTEE on the bills and issues the organization supports or opposes. he For decades, the WBA has been coaching women through the WBA meets with legislators and other groups concerned about judicial process under the purview of its Appointments, Awards, issues on its legislative agenda. he LPC organizes the WBA’s annual & Endorsements Committee. WBA members will now more easily Legislative Breakfast to connect members of the organization with access our invaluable guidance on: conidential advice from the legislators and to discuss the progress of key bills. Additionally, outset of contemplating a judgeship; application review; choosing the LPC sponsors periodic “State House 101” programs to educate recommenders; mock interview; and advice from judges. hrough members about the legislative process. he WBA honors a the committee, the WBA — along with other ainity bars in the Legislator or Public Oicial of the Year at the organization’s Annual common interest of promoting a diverse bench — will aslo actively Meeting. he LPC welcomes new members, regardless of their level tap potential candidates to consider a judgeship and assist them in of experience. charting their course earlier in their careers. Co-Chairs: Jessica Babine, Krina Patel Co-Chairs: Stefanie Balandis, Marianne LeBlanc, Michelle Peirce Chair Emeritus: Ann Morse Hartner IN-HOUSE COUNSEL Recognizing that women are represented in a variety of non- METROWEST he MetroWest Committee provides an opportunity for women traditional practice settings, the In-House Counsel Committee serves attorneys who live or work in the MetroWest region to form unique a dynamic group of WBA members who work outside the traditional connections. he Committee’s events are intended to provide law irm environment. From general counsel, to corporate counsel, opportunities for women to network with one another, share to J.D.s who work in a corporate setting, this Committee addresses strategies for success, and bring the great assets of the WBA to their the needs and concerns of in-house practitioners, and helps connect hometowns. the women who work in-house with each other and with other Co-Chairs: Kristine Potter Romano, Kristina Vickstrom members of the WBA. Whether you have just made the transition, or you have been in-house for years, this Committee ofers networking and educational programs that are of interest to you. MIDDLESEX COUNTY Co-Chairs: Rachel Morse, Kimberly Nuzum, Deanna Sheridan Continued on page 23

22 WBA COMMITTEE REPORTS 2016 Continued from 22 he Middlesex County Committee serves as a networking, NORTH OF BOSTON information, and peer support resource for WBA members working he North of Boston Committee is comprised of women attorneys or living in Middlesex County. he Committee meets for lunch and related professionals who work or live in the area north of the on the second Friday of each month, at noon, at the Yangtze River Greater Boston area. he Committee is a diverse group – members Restaurant in Lexington Center. he Middlesex Committee is the range from those who have just been admitted to those who have irst and oldest of the WBA’s regional committees. Members include been lawyers for more than iteen years – providing educational, women at all stages of their careers and spanning the full breadth social, and networking opportunities for women looking for the of practice areas. Many are solo and small-irm practitioners. resources and beneits of the WBA in this geographic region. Committee members share information about business trends, Co-Chairs: Sheryl Bourbeau, Deborah Eliason, practice tips, current and upcoming events, and career development Teresa Harkins La Vita, Teresa Reade opportunities that may be of interest to the group. he Committee also hosts special events once or twice a year. All interested WBA members are encouraged to join the monthly networking lunches ROSA PARKS and special events. he Rosa Parks Committee, named for a key leader in civil Co-Chairs: Marianne Brown, Karla Mansur, Veronica Zolina 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 MOTHERS’ FORUM working in the non-proit and non-traditional law irm settings that he Mothers’ Forum Committee seeks to provide a forum for focus primarily upon the representation of indigent and low-income women to discuss issues related to balancing the challenging work of clients, civil rights, and activism and advocacy to bring about positive an attorney with home and family commitments. he Committee has social change. he Rosa Parks Committee regularly holds events that long been a valuable resource for women in need of advice, strategies, emphasize the importance of the WBA’s mission and connect the organization to the greater public interest community. and information about how to succeed on a number of fronts. he Co-Chairs: Rachel Benedict, Sarah McClean, Jesse White Mothers’ Forum Committee also seeks ways for our profession to include, accommodate, and advance mothers within its ranks. he group encourages the involvement of expecting, new, and seasoned SENIOR PRACTICE parents, and others who are trying to balance their family and work he Senior Practice Committee is aimed at women in practice lives. for iteen years or more. he Senior Practice Committee concerns Co-Chairs: Eliza Minsch, Christine hompson itself with issues that are of interest and concern to women attorneys who have reached a level of seniority and expertise in their legal ields or workplaces. he group holds regular lunch meetings to NEW BEDFORD/FALL RIVER AREA discuss substantive topics such as leadership and communication he New Bedford/Fall River Area Committee provides WBA skills, business development, the evolving role of women in the members residing or practicing in Southeastern Massachusetts workplace, and opportunities for experienced practitioners to assist with a forum to meet, network, share ideas, and participate in local with the development of tomorrow’s leaders. he Committee also programming. he Committee seeks to support the personal and holds networking events and sponsors substantive programs as well. professional goals of members in this geographical location through Women from all practice areas and work environments are welcome. social and educational events. Chair: Diane Saunders Co-Chairs: Julie Lynch, Sharon Sullivan-Puccini SOLO AND SMALL FIRM NEW LAWYERS he Solo and Small Firm Committee is made up of women he New Lawyers Committee seeks to provide a forum for new who work for themselves or at small law oices. he Committee women lawyers to share their experiences, draw on each other’s understands how crucial peer-to-peer support is for the solo and knowledge, provide advice on rising in the ranks, inding the right small irm practitioner, and focuses resources on developing and career path, and to meet similarly situated professionals. he maintaining a network among its members to provide support and guidance to each other. hrough the Committee’s listserv and Committee is among the most active committees in the WBA. programming, members get advice on substantive areas of law, client Its members meet monthly for a variety of social, networking, management, oice administration, work-life balance, and guidance and professional development programs. he Committee helps on many other issues facing women who work in the solo and small women practicing between one and ten years address both the irm setting. Our Fee Circle program won the 2011 Outstanding challenges inherent in being new to the practice of law as well as Member Program Award from the National Conference of Women’s those that face women in professional settings generally. he New Bar Associations. In 2016, we organized a Rainmaking Circle to Lawyers Committee also provides new lawyers with the opportunity discuss business development strategies at a small irm which was to assume leadership roles in the Committee and the WBA as a well attended and received great reviews. In addition, we also held whole. our traditional winter networking social and a summer brunch/ Co-Chairs: Jessica Babine, Elizabeth McEvoy picnic social at Castle Island. Co-Chairs: Heidi Alexander, Aimee Bonacorsi, Cheryl Garrity Continued on page 24

23 trial, for example, the challenges faced my female litigators are real. SOUTH SHORE It is the goal of the Committee to provide a forum and opportunity he South Shore Committee was created to provide networking for women litigators to share their experiences, plights and insights, and support to WBA members residing or working the South and camaraderie with women of varying levels of experience who Shore area. he Committee hosts meetings to provide networking practice in the courts. Recognizing that women litigators have more opportunities, promote business development, and share ideas for the in common than irst meets the eye, the Committee welcomes civil advancement of women in the profession. If you are interested in litigators, prosecutors and public defenders, legal services lawyers, leading this committee, please contact Pattye Comfort, Executive family lawyers, and everyone else who inds herself in adversary Director, at [email protected]. proceedings from any side for all or part of her practice, including mediators and judges. he Women in the Courtroom Committee ofers opportunities for networking, informal mentoring, education, WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS and information sharing. he Western Massachusetts Committee of the Women’s Bar Co-Chairs: Christina Miller, Tara Myslinski 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. he Committee establishes a irm link with the organization as a whole, WOMEN OF COLOR It is the goal and mission of the Women of Color Committee to acting as the voice that shares the experiences, challenges, and the promote women of color in the legal profession for their multitude particular professional needs of WBA members in its geographical of successes and to honor them for their personal and professional location. Members range from seasoned attorneys to law students accomplishments. Members of the Committee, as women of and come from diverse practice areas ranging from in-house counsel, color and attorneys by profession, strive to publicize their diverse solo practitioners, and public servants, to associates and partners in cultures. An important goal of the Committee is to ensure that both small and large irms. its contributions to the community will increase the number and Co-Chairs: Christa Douaihy, Laura Mangini strength of women of color in the profession. his Committee, made up of women who are also caregivers, teachers, breadwinners, role models, and cultural leaders, fulill a vast range of duties and WOMEN IN THE COURTROOM celebrate all women. he Women of Color Committee is the host he Women in the Courtroom Committee seeks to support of some of the WBA’s most exciting programs, including those women lawyers who litigate civil and criminal matters, who oten recognizing women of color in the judiciary. face stark power diferentials through all stages of litigation. Whether Co-Chairs: Francesse Canty, Stesha Emmanuel, Nancy Chiu you are the only female in a crowded motion session, deposition, or Wilker

24 SUSTAINING MEMBERS

he WBA wishes to acknowledge those members who have voluntarily contributed an additional amount to sustain and support the mission of ort the WBA. We are grateful for their commitment to the organization.

For information on how to become a sustaining member, please contact Maura Bastarache, Membership & Information Technology Manager, at (617) 973-6666 or [email protected].