Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council

MCLC/MCFM Member Drop-In Meeting
2025-08-07 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-07-03 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-06-05 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-05-01 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-04-03 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-03-06 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-02-06 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-01-02 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) and 1 more date | Zoom
You are invited to the Dispute Resolution Drop-In Meetings for Collaborative Practitioners to meet for informal discussions about cases and practice related topics and networking.

All experience levels are welcome.
No registration is required, but all attendees must be members of MCLC or MCFM.

Zoom Details:

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86230609210?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 862 3060 9210
Passcode: [REDACTED]

MCLC at CLE by the Sea
2025-07-17 09:00 - 17:00 | Blue Ocean Event Center, 4 Ocean Front N, Salisbury, MA, 01952, United States
🗓️ Thursday, July 17, 2025📍 Blue Ocean Event Center, Salisbury, MA🔗 Event & Registration Info
Join MCLC at the 8th Annual CLE by the Sea! We’ll have a vendor table where you can stop by to learn more about the Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council (MCLC), connect with members, and explore how collaborative practice is changing the landscape of conflict resolution.
Several MCLC members will also be presenting during the program:
Collaborative Law: Effective Divorce Without Litigation (75 NHMCLE min.)Presented by:• Richard J. Reade, Jr., Reade Law Firm, Peabody• Dr. Nadia Delshad, PSYD, The Bedford Center for Couples, NH• Karen Van Kooy, MA
This session will explore:

Pros and cons of collaborative law
Understanding the paradigm shift
How collaborative law can improve quality of life for clients and professionals alike

Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your knowledge and network with practitioners across the region!

Collaborative Connections
2025-07-10 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
Join us on July 10, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, for casual networking with Collaborative Divorce Practitioners and related professionals.
Expand your professional network and gain valuable insights at our quarterly networking event! Join us for an hour of engaging conversations with Collaborative Divorce Practitioners and a diverse group of related professionals. This event is a fantastic opportunity to exchange ideas, explore potential collaborations, and deepen your understanding of the Collaborative Divorce Process.
Who should attend:

Financial professionals
Real estate professionals
Professional/executive coaches
Mental health professionals
Insurance professionals
Anyone interested in networking with colleagues
Anyone interested in learning more about the Collaborative Divorce Process

Email with Zoom link will be sent to you immediately upon registering or is available below.

MCLC 2025 Roundtable: Effective Communication – Art, Science, or Both?
2025-05-15 13:00 - 2025-05-16 13:00 | Zoom
Register Now for MCLC’s 2025 Roundtable
Effective Communication – Art, Science, or Both?
Join us this May for the MCLC Annual Roundtable, a two-day event focused on building skills and strategies to strengthen communication and collaboration in your practice. This year’s theme, “Effective Communication – Art, Science, or Both?”—offers a thought-provoking keynote and three dynamic workshops designed to elevate your work with clients and colleagues alike.
Roundtable Schedule
Day 1: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Welcome 1:00 – 1:05 PM
Keynote: 1:05 – 4:00 PMPresented by Sharon Strand Ellison, MS., Author of Taking the War Out of Our Words: The Art of Powerful Non-Defensive Communication
SKILL SETS FOR DEFUSING DEFENSIVENESS. . . OFTEN IN A MATTER OF SECONDS. . . Small Changes — BIG IMPACT

“I’m absolutely stunned by the power of the non-defensive process Sharon teaches. What amazes me is not just the incredible success, but also the speed and directness. The potential to actually have a constructive and respectful conversation over an issue that could easily push anyone’s buttons is amazing.” — Arlene Kostant, Attorney and Mediator, San Francisco, CA

Sharon’s transformative approach has earned national recognition and has helped professionals across sectors communicate with clarity and empathy—even in high-stress moments. You won’t want to miss this!
Day 2: Friday, May 16, 2025
Welcome: 9:30 – 9:40 AM
Workshop 1: 9:40 – 10:40 AM: Fearless Feedback: Effective Debriefs in Collaborative Divorce
A presentation designed to help practitioners effectively debrief with team professionals following a Collaborative meeting.
In this presentation, four seasoned Collaborative Attorneys and Mediators share tools and frameworks developed as part of their workgroup in the IACP Leadership Academy (2022–2023).
Featuring Presenters:

Ivan Alter – New York and Westchester County, NY
Anthony J. Diaz – Orlando, FL
Katherine Morneau – Nashua, NH
Karen Van Kooy – Southborough and Newton, MA

Workshop 2: 10:45 – 11:45 AM: Exploring Collaborative Approaches to Prenups and Postnups
This moderated panel discussion featuring Laurie Israel, author of The Generous Prenup (2018), The Marriage-Friendly Prenup (2025), and Mediating Prenups (available May 1, 2025) will look at how Collaborative professionals can serve this growing practice area. Public perceptions around the use of pre- and post-nuptial agreements continue to shift. Increasingly, couples seek financial clarity before marrying. Supported, non-adversarial, approaches to these difficult conversations can help to avoid the pitfalls of traditional negotiation and lead to healthier, happier marriages. Join us to learn how to bring your Collaborative training to prenups, share your thoughts, and ask your questions.
Moderated by Patrice Brymner, Collaborative Attorney, Mediator, and Co-host of Mending Fences Podcast
Featuring Panelists:

Laurie Israel, Collaborative Attorney, Mediator, and Nationally Recognized Author
Beth L. Aarons, JD, MSW, Collaborative Attorney, Mediator, and Suffolk Law Faculty
Beth M. Nussbaum, Collaborative Attorney, Mediator and Appellate Counsel

Workshop 3: 11:55 AM – 12:55 PM: Marketing the Collaborative Process to Clients
When it comes to talking with prospective clients, what is the ‘Secret Sauce’ for getting more Collaborative cases? What should we be certain to always say? What might potential clients ask us, and how do we best answer their questions?
Join us for a lively panel of highly experienced Collaborative Professionals as they share their recipes for success in getting cases and tell their stories and best tips for talking about Collaborative practice.
Moderated by Betsy Ross, Collaborative Coach Facilitator and Co-Chair of MCLC’s Professional Education Committee
Featuring Panelists:

David Hoffman
Karen Levitt
Justin Kelsey
Michelle Raymond
Mary Sheridan

Registration Rates
MCLC or MCFM Members: $165 (both days) / $95 (one day) – Save $25 when you register for both days!
Non-Members: $195 (both days) / $110 (one day) – Save $25 when you register for both days!

MCLC & MCFM Tree House Meetup
2025-05-08 16:00 - 20:00
You’re Invited!
Come celebrate spring and dispute resolution with MCFM and MCLC members from across the state at a drop-in casual meetup!
Date: Thursday, May 8th
Time: 4:00-8:00 pm (Drop in any time during this window)
Place: Tree House Brewery, 129 Sturbridge Road, Charlton, MA
Cost: No entry fee; must be a member of MCFM and/or MCLC
Attendees purchase their own beverages (Tree House offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks) and you can bring your own food or purchase from the food trucks (food truck offerings change daily and are posted on the Tree House website a few days in advance). Check the website for their offerings: https://treehousebrew.com/
Weather permitting, we will meet under the outdoor covered pavilion.
Hope to see you there!

Northern Essex Collaborative Law Group
2025-05-01 17:00 - 19:30
Are you looking to sharpen your skills and connect with fellow MCLC members? We invite you to join the Northern Essex Collaborative Law Group, meeting every first Thursday of the month. Whether you’re new to collaborative practice or a seasoned professional, this is a great opportunity to collaborate, learn, and grow in a supportive environment—no matter where you are.
May 1st – In-Person “Speakeasy” MeetingTime: 5:00 PMLocation: “The Cellar” (side entrance) at The Bell Inn & Tavern2 Washington Street, Peabody, MA 01960
This special in-person gathering is a chance to step out from behind the Zoom screen and engage face-to-face in a relaxed setting.
Please RSVP to Clint Dalton at cdalton@brigantine.law if you plan to attend.
Zoom meetings will resume in June—check your email for the MCLC weekly member newsletter, which includes the Zoom link.

Tri-River Practice Group
2025-04-17 16:00 - 17:30 | Zoom
Please join us via Zoom.
The Top 10 Divorce Financial MistakesJanice Berner, Financial Advisor, CDFA, CPA, MBA, CLTC with Baystate Financial, will share insights on the top 10 financial mistakes commonly made during divorce. This presentation will highlight how to spot and help clients avoid these pitfalls—ensuring more informed, equitable outcomes through the Collaborative Process.
Check your email for the weekly member newsletter which includes the Zoom link to join.

MCLC Book Club
2025-04-10 16:00 - 17:00 | Zoom
Our next book choice is The Shit No One Tells You About Divorce by Dawn Dais.

This book offers a candid look at the realities of divorce, reminding us that our clients bring a whole history with them when they seek our help.
You don’t need to have read the book to join the discussion—all are welcome! We look forward to a thoughtful and engaging conversation.
Check your email for the weekly member newsletter which includes the Zoom link to join.

Collaborative Connections
2025-04-10 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
Join us on April 10, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, for casual networking with Collaborative Divorce Practitioners and related professionals.
Expand your professional network and gain valuable insights at our quarterly networking event! Join us for an hour of engaging conversations with Collaborative Divorce Practitioners and a diverse group of related professionals. This event is a fantastic opportunity to exchange ideas, explore potential collaborations, and deepen your understanding of the Collaborative Divorce Process.
Who should attend:

Financial professionals
Real estate professionals
Professional/executive coaches
Mental health professionals
Insurance professionals
Anyone interested in networking with colleagues
Anyone interested in learning more about the Collaborative Divorce Process

Zoom link will be sent to you immediately upon registering.

Tri-River Practice Group
2025-03-27 16:00 - 17:30 | Zoom
Please join us either via Zoom or in person at SSJM’s office at 629 Main Street, Woburn MA.
NESTING, PETS, and JOINT HOME OWNERSHIP, OH MY . . .
Explore unique issues in collaborative cases and discover creative ways to present their resolution to our courts. This roundtable offers a space for sharing insights, strategies, and real-world experiences.
Check your email for the weekly member newsletter which includes the Zoom link to join.

MCLC Annual Meeting 2025
2025-03-20 16:00 - 18:00 | Zoom
Join us for the Annual MCLC Members’ Meeting. This is an opportunity to connect with fellow members, reflect on the past year’s achievements, and discuss future initiatives. Don’t miss this chance to engage with the MCLC community and stay informed about upcoming opportunities!
AGENDA

Zoom Room Opens – 3:50 PM
Welcome and Opening Remarks – MCLC Year In Review
Election of 2025 Board of Directors (see slate)
UCLA Presentation/Q & A with David Hoffman & Devlin Farmer
Poll/Break/Breakout Rooms
Facilitated Discussion about Past/Future of MCLC
Upcoming Events
Raffle and Closing Remark (you must be present to win raffle)

📅 Date & Time: Thursday, March 20, 2025 | 4:00 – 6:00 PM📍 Location: Zoom
Please RSVP and the Zoom link will be emailed to you.

Northern Essex Collaborative Law Group
2025-03-06 16:30 - 17:30, 2025-02-06 16:30 - 17:30, 2025-01-02 16:30 - 17:30, 2024-12-05 16:30 - 17:30 | Zoom
Are you looking to sharpen your skills and connect with fellow MCLC members? We invite you to join the Northern Essex Collaborative Law Group, meeting on Zoom every first Thursday of the month. This is a great opportunity to practice, collaborate, and learn in a supportive environment, no matter where you are.
The group is open to all MCLC members—whether you’re new or experienced, we’d love to have you join the conversation! Check your email for the weekly member newsletter which includes the Zoom link to join.
Please RSVP to Clint Dalton (cdalton@brigantine.law) if you plan to attend.

Tri-River Practice Group
2025-02-20 16:00 - 17:30 | Zoom
Join us for an insightful discussion on Reverse Mortgages!
We invite you to join us for the upcoming Tri-River Practice Group Meeting. This session will feature Luke Centrone, Senior Loan Officer with Cross Country Mortgage, LLC, who will present on the topic of Reverse Mortgages.
Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge or engage in meaningful discussions with fellow professionals, this is an excellent opportunity to learn and connect.
Check your email for the weekly member newsletter which includes the Zoom link to join.

MCLC Book Club
2025-02-13 16:00 - 17:00 | Zoom
Join Us for Our Next Book Club Discussion!
This session’s pick, Between Mom and Jo by Julie Anne Peters, dives into the emotional journey of a teenage boy navigating his moms’ divorce. It’s a heartfelt exploration of love, family, and resilience.
Whether you’ve read every page or just a few chapters, join us for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation. Everyone is welcome!
Check your email for the weekly member newsletter which includes the Zoom link to join.

Collaborative Connections
2025-01-23 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
Register here for this FREE QUARTERLY NETWORKING EVENT!
Join us on January 23, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, for casual networking with Collaborative Divorce Practitioners and related professionals.
Who should attend:

Financial professionals
Real estate professionals
Professional/executive coaches
Mental health professionals
Insurance professionals
Anyone interested in networking with colleagues
Anyone interested in learning more about the Collaborative Divorce Process

Zoom link will be sent to you immediately upon registering.

Tri-River Practice Group
2025-01-16 16:00 - 17:30 | Zoom
PLANNING MEETING – Bring your Calendars and Ideas!
We are looking for another year of Inspiring Presentations! Let us know if you would like a chance to present and/or have someone in mind who may be interested in presenting during 2025.
Check your email for the weekly member newsletter which includes the Zoom link to join.

MCLC & MCFM Drop-In Meeting
2025-01-09 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
You are invited to the Dispute Resolution Drop-In Meetings for Mediators and Collaborative Practitioners from MCFM and MCLC to meet for informal discussions about practice-related topics and networking. All experience levels are welcome. Meetings will generally be held the 1st Thursday of odd months from 1:00-2:00 pm on Zoom. No registration is required, but all attendees must be members of MCLC or MCFM.
Check your email for the weekly member newsletter which includes the Zoom link to join.

MCLC Book Club
2024-12-11 16:00 - 17:00 | Zoom
MCLC Members, please join us for our next Book Club meeting to discuss the book, No Bad Parts by Richard C. Schwartz, PHD. You’re welcome to join us, even if you are unable to complete the book by 12/11. This will a lively discussion on this topic! Check your email for the weekly member newsletter which includes the Zoom link to join.
Please RSVP to Sonja (sstarins@ssjmattorneys.com) if you plan to attend.

MCLC & MCFM Holiday Party
2024-12-05 16:30 - 20:30 | SSJM Attorneys, 629 Main Street, Woburn, MA, 01801
Come and enjoy spectacular food and wine with your colleagues! Bob Jutras and Sonja Starins invite you to drop-in for our joint MCLC & MCFM Holiday event at the beautiful SSJM Attorneys Woburn Office (629 Main St, Woburn, MA 01801). This is an event specifically for members of either MCLC or MCFM.
Please RSVP to Sonja Starins (sstarins@ssjmattorneys.com) if you plan to attend.
