Lawrence Bar Association

Founded 1905 -- Our 100th Year

Newsletter - October 2004

UPDATE ON AUTO INSURANCE FRAUD INVESTIGATIONS

Automobile insurance fraud continues to rear up, both in the press and in the courtroom.   Recent arrests of three lawyers from Greater Lawrence confirm the need for continuing vigilance against illegal or unethical legal practices.

On June 23, the LBA sponsored a well-attended brown-bag discussion at the Fenton Judicial Center, with presentations by Professor Connie Rudnick (a member of the BBO), Laura Kessler (General Counsel, Insurance Fraud Unit), and Chief John Romero of the Lawrence Police Department.  

The discussion included a very pointed exchange of views concerning the secrecy of the insurance industry with respect to internal industry data on fraudulent claims and frequent claimants with a history of suspicious claims, and the difficulty that the industry's reticence creates for attorneys who are unaware of a client's checkered past. Prof. Rudnick gave a detailed written and oral summary of key ethical issues.  

The LBA is committed to a proactive approach to this issue.   Our professional reputations are at stake, as is our ability to deliver first-rate, affordable legal services to local residents involved in legitimate accidents.   With the energetic leadership of Jim Bowers (a member of the LBA's Executive Committee), the LBA has prepared written guidance to all attorneys in the area on how to spot fraudulent claims, and what to do when fraud is found.

The LBA considers this issue of sufficient importance that we have gone to the expense of copying and mailing both (i) Professor Rudnick's summary of ethical issues (which reflect her professional views, not the official position of the BBO) and (ii) the Practical Guidance memorandum.   I strongly urge all LBA members to read these materials, and to join us in the combat of unethical and illegal claims practices.

FALL DINNER

November 17, 2004

Honoring our 50-year members

JUDGE MANZI BROWN BAG LUNCH NOVEMBER 9, 1 P.M.

The next installment in the LBA's   Brown Bag Lunch series will be held Nov. 9 at 1 p.m. in the Housing Court conference room.   Please join Judge Manzi, to discuss current issues in the Probate and Family Court.

THE LBA IS TURNING 100 YEARS OLD!

January 11, 1905 -- the LBA is officially incorporated.

Now, 100 years later, our organization is going strong, with a year-round calendar of professional and social events, annual scholarships for legal study, assistance programs for lawyers in need, an active and productive Bench-Bar relationship, and an enviable reputation for service to the profession and the community.

Over the course of our Centennial Year, we will have a number of celebrations and events, kicked off by our Annual Meeting on -- serendipitously -- January 11, 2005.   Once again, the meeting will be held at the Lanam Club.   However, this year, the Annual Meeting will include a sit-down dinner for members of the bar.  

Centennial celebrations happen only once every, say, 100 years!!   I look forward to seeing each of you at our Annual Meeting on January 11.   Details to come shortly!

SAVE THESE DATES

Nov. 9 - 1:00 p.m. Brownbag Lunch with Judge Manzi

Nov. 17 - Fall Dinner North Andover C.C.

Jan. 11 - Annual Mtg. Lanam Club

  LBA WEBSITE/EMAIL

Check out and use our website at www.lawrencebar.org . Contact Laurie Levy at ( llevy@gilbertandrenton.com ) to provide your current email address.

FAREWELL TO JUDGE STELLA

As many of you may have heard, Hon. Michael T. Stella, Jr. has officially retired from his position as First Justice of the Lawrence District Court.   His departure is a blow to the judiciary, the community and to all attorneys who have appreciated his dedication, fairness, candor, courtesy toward litigants and attorneys and court personnel, and - above all - his profound commitment to justice.

Judge Stella and his family have been pillars of the Greater Lawrence legal community for decades.   The LBA views his retirement from the bench not as a departure, but as the beginning of the next chapter in his great career.

Judge Stella -- all members of the LBA sincerely thank you for your service, and wish you great good fortune in your judicial retirement!

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