Menu
Log in


Log in


Calendar 


Explore upcoming CLEs, networking events, and programs hosted by the Massachusetts Paralegal Association. Our calendar is updated regularly with professional development opportunities for paralegals across New England.

Upcoming events

    • Tuesday, February 24, 2026
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Google Meet
    Register
    Join us for an exclusive CLE on 1031 Exchanges featuring Patty Flowers, Vice President with Investment Property Exchange Services (IPX1031). 

    Topics:
    - Spotting an Exchange Opportunity and How to Discuss with your Client
    - Benefits & Reasons Why Investors Pursue a 1031 Exchange
    - Understanding the Basics: Dollar Value Rules, Identification & Timelines
    - Sample 1031 Wording for the P&S Agreements
    - How a 1031 Exchange works at a closing
        
    A PowerPoint presentation will accompany the session to highlight the key topics, followed by dedicated time for Q&A.

    A Google Meet link will be emailed to registrants the day before. 

    • Wednesday, February 25, 2026
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Google Meet
    Register

    Join Barker Brettell for a CLE presentation on cost saving options and strategies for pursuing European patent protection, now that the Unitary Patent has been in force for 2+ years.

    Talking points include cost considerations for Unitary Patent and traditional EP validation filing, as well as best practices for effective claim construction and claim set reduction - with examples. This session on cost-effective European patent protection also covers:

    • Anticipating and avoiding oppositions and appeals
    • 30% savings under EPO micro-entity rules
    • First filing outside of the US
    • Direct filing vs. the PCT
    • Renewal fees - when (and when not) to pay them
    • Cost savings vs. cost avoidance
    • Tips for in-house and law firm patent paralegals

    Speakers: 

    Anne Bate has worked as a patent paralegal and patent team manager at Barker Brettell for over 40 years, more than 30 of which have been spent working alongside John Lawrence. Anne manages Barker Brettell's team of patent paralegals, ensuring they are up to date with new laws and rules as and when they come into force, as well as encouraging the team to partake in training and development in using web-based filing systems such as ePCT and EPO Online Filing 2.0. Anne played an active role in setting-up and promoting the Barker Brettell Euro-IP hub to US-based clients and firms.


    Yvonne Johnson is Managing Partner at Barker Brettell and is an experienced patent attorney within the field of chemistry and life sciences, having worked in the patent profession for over 25 years. She also has broad experience working within the healthcare and medical fields, including pharmaceutical formulations, and is adept at navigating excluded matter rules in Europe in the fields of therapeutic, surgical and diagnostic methods. She is recognized for providing pragmatic and commercially focused advice.
    Yvonne's areas of expertise, in addition to Chemistry & Life Sciences are:

    • Patent oppositions and Appeals
    • Patent drafting and strategy
    • Patent prosecution and portfolio management
    • Patent validity and opinion work
    • Unitary Patent


    John Lawrence is a senior partner at Barker Brettell and has over 40 years’ experience as a patent attorney and acts for a diverse range of clients, from startups and SMEs to large global corporates. John has deep and varied experience in writing and prosecuting patents in advanced engineering, aerospace, lasers and optics hardware, medical devices and implants and software controlled telemedicine/robotic surgery, and medical IT systems. John heads the Aerospace sector as well as leading the firm’s secondment initiative.
    John’s areas of expertise include:

    • Computers & Electronics
    • Design Patents
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Patent Oppositions and Appeals
    • Patent drafting and prosecution
    • Physics & Materials

    A Google Meet link will be emailed to registrants the day before.

    • Tuesday, March 03, 2026
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Google Meet
    Register

    Join us for a CLE regarding the basics of mechanic’s lien and title insurance, which is one of the most complex and risk-sensitive areas in title insurance, impacting both the deal structure and post-closing.

    This webinar will provide a practical overview of how to approach mechanic’s lien risk, what coverage is typically available under title insurance policies and types of documentation that may be required.

    Speakers: 

    Phil Saba – Major Transactions Counsel, Boston, NCS.

    Jill Sharif – VP, National Business Development, Boston, NCS.

    A Google Meet link will be emailed to registrants the day before. 

    • Saturday, March 07, 2026
    • 12:00 PM
    • New England's Tap House Grille, 1292 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, NH

    MPA Members are invited to join: CASA's Signature Barstool Fundraiser!

    Each team captains a stool at the bar for 10 hours while competing in a variety of fun competitions to gain points. Come for the cause, stay for the friendly competition (and good beer)!

    All proceeds will go toward the recruitment and training of CASA volunteer advocates, who are ordinary people who step forward to advocate in New Hampshire’s court system for children who have experienced abuse and neglect.

    Teams must be 5-10 members and commit to a $1,200 fundraising minimum.

    Learn more and register: On Tap for CASA 2026 - Campaign

    • Thursday, March 12, 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • Google Meet
    Register

    All are welcome to attend our board meetings. We discuss upcoming CLEs, events, and news.

    • Thursday, March 26, 2026
    • 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • Sunrise of Braintree 618 Granite St, Braintree, MA 02184

    MassNAELA, our sustaining member is partnering with Aging Life Care Association of New England to host a networking event in Braintree. All MPA members are welcome. 

    The Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (MassNAELA) is a non-profit association whose members consist of a dedicated group of elder law and special needs attorneys across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Incorporated in 1992, to serve the legal profession and the public.

    PLEASE REGISTER HERE: https://massnaela.wildapricot.org/event-6565401

    • Thursday, May 14, 2026
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Google Meet
    Register

    Paralegals working in real estate, land use, or title review will benefit from this focused webinar, featuring Partners Gene Guimond and Kim Kroha at Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C.

    Together will break down the statutory framework governing wetlands and waterways and explain how boundaries differ for tidal versus non‑tidal waters—key details that often surface during title examinations.

    The session will highlight what paralegals should watch for when preparing files, advising attorneys, or supporting client communications, including critical Purchase & Sale provisions, common title policy exclusions, and the importance of securing Certificates of Compliance for Orders of Conditions.

    Gene and Kim will also address Enforcement Orders and other pitfalls that can complicate closings, giving paralegals the tools to spot issues early and keep transactions on track.

    Speakers:


    Kim Kroha, Esquire | Partner @ Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P. C.

    Gene Guimond, Esquire | Partner @ Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P. C. 

This spring, we’ll also be offering a series of Real Estate CLEs, including sessions on Non‑Residential Withholding Regulations, and Chapter 91 Dock Licensing. Dates will be announced soon.

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software