Thorough trial preparedness does not end at the close of evidence. A crucial aspect of any trial in the Probate & Family Court is the submission of persuasive post-trial pleadings. Post-trial pleadings are an opportunity to summarize the relevant evidence presented at trial; cite the legal authority in support of your case; and offer a detailed rationale for your position. It is critical to provide the presiding judge with an exhaustive summary of the case presented at trial on behalf of your client.
This seminar offers practitioners insightful and practical advice to ensure your post-trial submissions are well drafted and include all of the important elements of the case.
This seminar offers practitioners insightful and practical advice to ensure your post-trial submissions are well drafted and include all of the important elements of the case.
Course Content
3:00pm - 3:05pm - Welcome and IntroductionHon. Christine D. Anthony,
Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Lowell
Erin M. Shapiro, Esq.,
Atwood & Cherny, PC, Boston
3:05pm - 3:20pm - Framing a Case Through a Comprehensive Pre-Trial Memorandum
Hon. Michael D. Anderson,
Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston
Erin M. Shapiro, Esq.,
Atwood & Cherny, PC, Boston
Nicholas J. Plante, Esq.,
Schwartz & Plante, Worcester
3:20pm - 3:30pm - Distinctions Between Findings of Fact and Rationale
Hon. Christine D. Anthony,
Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Lowell
3:30pm - 3:45pm - Importance of Citing to Oral and Documentary Evidence in Findings of Fact
Hon. Michael D. Anderson,
Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston
3:45pm - 3:55pm - Benefits of a Stenographer/Transcript to Cite to Testimony
Erin M. Shapiro, Esq.,
Atwood & Cherny, PC, Boston
3:55pm - 4:10pm - Drafting Persuasive Findings of Fact, Rationale & Proposed Judgments in Domestic Relations Cases: Covering All of the G.L. c. 208, § 34 Factors
4:10pm - 4:25pm - Drafting Persuasive Findings of Fact, Rationale & Proposed Judgments in Domestic Relations Cases: Citing Relevant Standards of Review and Applicable Law in Conclusions of Law
Hon. Christine D. Anthony,
Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Lowell
4:25pm - 4:35pm - Drafting Persuasive Findings of Fact, Rationale & Proposed Judgments in Domestic Relations Cases: Filing of Post-Trial Submissions Including Thumb Drives and Hard Copies
Hon. Michael D. Anderson,
Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston
Hon. Christine D. Anthony,
Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Lowell
4:35pm - 4:50pm - Drafting Persuasive Findings of Fact, Rationale & Proposed Judgments in Domestic Relations Cases: Post-Judgment Pleadings and the Proper Use of 2-99 Motions
Nicholas J. Plante, Esq.,
Schwartz & Plante, Worcester
Erin M. Shapiro, Esq.,
Atwood & Cherny, PC, Boston
Speaker(s)
CochairsHon. Christine D. Anthony,
Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Lowell
Erin M. Shapiro, Esq.,
Atwood & Cherny, PC, Boston
Faculty
Hon. Michael D. Anderson,
Probate and Family Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston
Nicholas J. Plante, Esq.,
Schwartz & Plante, Worcester
