Attorneys Soilson and Schwartz Attend Hearings at the Massachusetts State House on Probate and Family Law Matters

Attorneys Jeff Soilson and Kelly Schwartz of Fitch Law Partners LLP attended hearings at the Massachusetts State House on July 23, 2019 before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary concerning almost 60 bills related to probate and family law being considered by the committee as future legislation.

Jeff Soilson, as president of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (“AAML”), attended in support of the endorsement by the Massachusetts Chapter of the AAML of three specific bills.

The first is H.3701 (An Act relative to the collateral consequences of alimony), which is intended to replace the 30% to 35% range of presumptively reasonable alimony under the alimony reform statute with a range of 23% to 28% to take into account the loss of the alimony deduction under recent changes in the federal tax laws.

The second is H.3324 (An Act to adopt the Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act), which is intended to codify the function of arbitration in the context of Family Law disputes.

The third is S.886 (An Act relative to the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act), which seeks to place Massachusetts in a position similar to all of the other states in the nation with respect to child custody jurisdiction.

Here is a link to all of the bills under consideration. Many of these bills could have a tremendous impact on our practice and on the lives of our clients. The family law attorneys at Fitch Law Partners will continue to monitor developing legislation.

2019-2020 Scholarship Announcement

Fitch Law Partners is pleased to announce the two winners of the 2019-2020 Fitch Law Partners Scholarship. The Fitch Law Partners Scholarships are awarded annually, and are based upon an applicant's essay and academic achievement.

Future Law Student

Liliana Anderson: Liliana is a student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and will be entering Marquette University Law School in the fall. In her essay, Liliana described the challenges of being raised as one of five children by a teen mother who moved her young family from Milwaukee to New York City to pursue her law degree. Liliana also developed a passion for the law when participating in Red Hook Youth Court as a high schooler. But when Liliana married and became pregnant in high school she feared her dream of becoming an attorney would go unrealized. While raising her four children, Liliana pursued her education, first at Milwaukee Area Technical College and then UW-Milwaukee. In addition to being a student and mother, Liliana, along with her husband, started a process serving company to ensure the people in her community are given due process and treated fairly. Liliana plans to use her law degree to be an advocate for the disenfranchised in her community and ensure all are afforded their civil rights.

Current Law Student (incoming 1L)

Andrew Henderson: Andrew will be attending the University of Southern California Gould School of Law in the Fall of 2019. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Andrew's interest in engineering was sparked by his father, who built houses and built every house Andrew has ever lived in. While Andrew was at UK, his father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. To defray the costs of university attendance, Andrew worked at a job on campus while taking an elevated case load and slept on his friend's couch to save on housing. On weekends Andrew would travel to take care of his dad. Currently an engineer at Toyota, Andrew plans on becoming an intellectual property attorney in order to apply his engineering knowledge to help safeguard inventor's rights and promote innovation.

All at Fitch Law Partners wish Ms. Anderson and Mr. Henderson luck as they as they embark on their legal educations.

Jeffrey A. Soilson Appointed President AAML, MA Chapter

Fitch Law Partners LLP is proud to announce that Jeffrey A. Soilson has been appointed President of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) – Massachusetts Chapter. Mr. Soilson is a Fellow of the AAML and previously held treasurer and president-elect positions within the organization.

Mr. Soilson will continue to serve on the AAML/AFCC Joint Committee, which is responsible for creating and producing the joint national conference with the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) on custody and child-related issues, and the AAML Webinar Committee, which is responsible for producing continuing education programs on a wide range of divorce and family law topics, including divorce taxation, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, dividing pensions and business valuations.

The AAML was founded in 1962 by highly regarded divorce and family law attorneys “To provide leadership that promotes the highest degree of professionalism and excellence in the practice of family law.” There are currently more than 1,650 Fellows in 50 states, who are recognized by judges and attorneys as preeminent family law practitioners with a high level of knowledge, skill and integrity.

Tech List Members Present on Arbitrating Life Science Disputes

On May 1st, Tech List Members Angela (‘Anji’) Foster and Jonathan Fitch were panelists at an AAA-ICDR program hosted by Reed Smith in Philadelphia: “AAA-ICDR Arbitrating Domestic and International Life Science Disputes (including Pharmaceutical, Medical Device and Biotechnology).”

Anji Foster spoke on a range of topics including the suitability of arbitration for use in life science disputes, for example, with respect to license agreements and such issues as whether a drug, molecule or medical device does or does not fall within the purview of the agreement. She cited the main advantages of arbitrating life science disputes: the ability to select arbitrators with special expertise; the flexibility of the procedure; limitations on discovery; and, the confidentiality of intellectual property. Anji discussed the challenges of scheduling the phases of life science arbitrations and management of the time limitations with the parties and their counsel. Anji also said she has also observed problems in the presentation of expert testimony in life science arbitrations and that counsel need to be skilled in presenting the complexity of technologies to arbitral panels.

Jonathan Fitch addressed considerations for picking counsel, arbitrators and experts in technology-intensive life science disputes. Where the arbitrators’ industry expertise may be a factor, Jonathan suggested that parties consider using arbitrator interviews – either by parties or their counsel – within the parameters established by Canon III of The Code of Ethics for Arbitrators in Commercial Disputes. He also discussed alternatives for the presentation of expert testimony in international arbitrations of life science cases. The Parties' direct examinations of experts in the form of lengthy, detailed and highly technical expert witness statements create a risk that the arbitration will begin without the arbitrators fully understanding the technologies at issue. Possible remedial approaches include beginning the arbitration with a joint presentation by the parties’ experts on the industry technologies and science involved in the case. As an alternative to an upfront “technology and science day”, the parties may agree that the testimony of respondent’s expert will directly follow the testimony of claimant’s expert for each expert issue, thereby enabling different options for expert conferencing, including the possibility that the arbitrators may address questions simultaneously to each expert and that the experts may question each other. At the event, the arbitrators, institutional representatives and in-house counsel present fully aired and addressed both the benefits and risks for different models of expert witness testimony.

The 22nd MCLE Annual Family Conference

Steven E. Gurdin will be Conference Co-chair, and Jeffrey A. Soilson will be on the Alimony Update panel, at the 22nd MCLE Annual Family Law Conference on May 3, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the MCLE Conference Center, Ten Winter Place, Boston.

For online registration: https://www.mcle.org/product/catalog/code/2190286P01

This year’s Family Law Conference offers workshops on parenting time resistance problems, dividing premarital and inherited assets, cryptocurrency in divorce, an alimony, case and legislative update, and an in-depth judicial forum. There will also be update on the state of the Probate and Family Court from Chief Justice Casey.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Steven E. Gurdin will be Conference Co-chair at the Divorce Law: MCLE BasicsPlus on April 24 and 25, 2019 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the MCLE Conference Center, Ten Winter Place, Boston. Carlos A. Maycotte will be a panelist at the program.

For online registration: https://www.mcle.org/product/catalog/code/2190155P01

Divorce Law: MCLE BasicsPlus is a comprehensive two-day course that provides the family law practitioner with the fundamental skills and approaches necessary to effectively represent clients in divorce. Through a variety of lectures, demonstrations, and ‘hands-on’ workshops, conference attendees gain the tools to become a proficient divorce law practitioner.

Fitch Law Partners LLP opens its annual scholarship competition for law students and undergraduate students who aspire to be lawyers. The firm will award tuition assistance for the 2019-2020 academic year of $1,500 to a current law student and $1,000 to an undergraduate aspiring to be a lawyer. The goal of this program is to help lawyers of tomorrow with the increasing financial costs of higher education. We are proud to be investing in the education of promising future attorneys.

Applicants are required to have a current cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. The application includes a 500 word essay on one of several topics regarding his/her aspirations as a lawyer. For more information.

The winners of the 2018-2019 competition were Tristen Sharp, a freshmen at Illinois State University and Tiffany Light, a first year student at Saint Louis University Law School.

The case of our client Marisa Pawelko, an artist and inventor, against Hasbro, Inc. is headed for trial in the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island. Ms. Pawelko is the inventor of "Liquid Mosaic", an arts and crafts product concept that was shown to Hasbro and offered for acquisition under a confidentiality agreement. Pawelko claims that Hasbro misappropriated her trade secrets regarding Liquid Mosaic and breached the confidentiality agreement in developing the DohVinci arts and crafts products. In denying Hasbro's motion for summary judgment on those claims, Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. stated, "While summary judgment is a valid mechanism for parties to use to dismiss legally deficient claims, it cannot substitute for a party's right to have their legitimate disputes resolved by a jury." Pawelko's trial team includes Jonathan Fitch, Ryan Cunningham, Nathalie Salomon and Terrance Lanier.

Our client, Tracker Connect (PTY) LTD was awarded $6.2 million in an international arbitration conducted by a tribunal appointed by the International Centre for Dispute Resolution. Respondent LoJack Equipment Ireland DAC (“LoJack”), a wholly owned subsidiary of LoJack Corporation, was ordered to pay Tracker that amount based upon the findings and rulings in a confidential final award issued by the tribunal. Tracker's arbitration demand alleged breaches of the parties' technology license agreement, misrepresentations, unjust enrichment and other claims.

In a related action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, Tracker won a motion to dismiss LoJack’s complaint, which alleged that Tracker had breached the parties' license agreement. LoJack subsequently appealed the judgment of dismissal to the First Circuit, but later stipulated to a dismissal of the appeal.

Tracker's team included Jonathan Fitch, William Cosmas, and Jared Hubbard.

U.S. News and Best Lawyers® recognized FITCH as a 2019 Best Law Firm®. The firm was honored to best listed as Tier 1-Boston in Commercial Litigation, Family Law and Litigation - Trusts and Estates.

Eight FITCH lawyers were recognized as 2019 Best Lawyers in America®. The lawyers receiving the honor of this recognition include:

Peter Ball (Bet-the-Company Litigation and Commercial Litigation)
Jonathan Fitch (Arbitration, Commercial Litigation and Litigation -Trusts and Estates)
Steven Gurdin (Family Law and Litigation - Trusts and Estates)
Kurt Kusiak (Litigation - Trusts and Estates)
Andrea Peraner-Sweet (Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants)
James Re (Commercial Litigation)
Stephen Reilly (Commercial Litigation)
Jeffrey Soilson (Family Law and Litigation - Trusts and Estates)

Congratulations to the fifteen lawyers at FITCH named to the 2018 Massachusetts Super Lawyer® and Rising Star® Lists. Heather Baer, Peter Ball, Ryan Cunningham, Jonathan Fitch, Steven Gurdin, Kurt Kusiak, Andrea Peraner-Sweet, Jim Re, Stephen Reilly and Jeffrey Soilson were honored as Massachusetts Super Lawyers®. Four FITCH lawyers were recognized as Rising Stars®: Robert Boutwell, Will Cosmas, Kristine Cummings, and Carlos Maycotte.

Steve Gurdin and Jeffrey Soilson were also named to the Top 100 List of Massachusetts Super Lawyer® nominees. In addition, Jeffrey Soilson was recognized on the list of the Top 100 New England Super Lawyers®.

In a case argued by Andrea Peraner-Sweet, the Appeals Court affirmed the Juvenile Court's ruling granting sole legal and physical custody of our client's daughter to him.

Associate Lacey L. Brantley attended the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers program for associate lawyers in Chicago.

Our partners, Heather V. Baer and Andrea Peraner-Sweet participated in the Boston Bar Association's Law Day in the Schools. This year's theme was, "Liberty Under Law: Empowering Youth, Assuring Democracy." Heather and Andrea taught a second grade class at the Josiah Quincy Elementary School in Boston, where they engaged in a lively discussion with the students about how young people can affect change.

Tristen Sharp was awarded the Fitch Future Law Student Scholarship of $1,000 for the 2018-2019 academic year. Ms. Sharp, a freshman at Illinois State University, has overcome traumatic brain injuries to excel inside and outside of the classroom. Her experience has motivated her to pursue a career in law after her undergraduate studies. Ms. Sharp's perseverance and sense of focus during her physical recovery impressed the Scholarship Committee. While still a teenager, Ms. Sharp has already demonstrated the type of grit and hard work necessary for a successful career as a lawyer.

Tiffany Light was awarded the Fitch Law Student Scholarship of $1,500 for the 2018-2019 academic year. Ms. Light is on her way to Saint Louis University Law School in the Fall of 2018. A first generation college student, Ms. Light balanced full-time work along with her undergraduate studies. Her professional experience includes clerking in her hometown court house, working as a legal assistant at a law firm, and completing an internship with a local legal services organization. We wish Ms. Light a successful 1L year as she embarks on her legal education.

Jared L. Hubbard was a panelist at a Boston Bar Association program on Third-Party Funding in International Arbitration. The event was co-sponsored by the International Centre for Dispute Resolution Young & International.

Jeffrey A. Soilson presented an American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers webinar entitled, "Across the Borderline - Prenups and the Migratory Couple."

Steve Reilly and Ryan Cunningham won a Rule 12(b)(6) motion for dismissal of wrongful foreclosure claims brought against our client, a large national bank.

Steven E. Gurdin co-chaired the 21st Annual MCLE Family Law conference. During the conference, Mr. Gurdin moderated the Family Court Judicial Forum. This marked Mr. Gurdin's 15th consecutive year as the moderator. Judges from the Middlesex, Norfolk and Essex Counties Probate and Family Courts sat on the panel and delivered their opinions and legal analysis on hypothetical fact patterns prepared by Mr. Gurdin and his colleagues at FITCH.

Steven E. Gurdin has been named to the Brookline Community Foundation Professional Advisors Committee.

Steven E. Gurdin co-chaired the 2-day MCLE Divorce Law Basics program. The program is a comprehensive course that provides family law practitioners with the fundamental skills and approaches necessary to effectively represent clients in divorce. Mr. Gurdin has chaired the program for the past fourteen years.

Fitch Law Partners LLP is a proud corporate sponsor of the Second Annual Junior Beanpot Charity Hockey Tournament ( https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/jr-beanpot1) for the benefit of the Travis Roy Foundation. The Travis Roy Foundation ( https://www.travisroyfoundation.org) was established in 1997 to help spinal cord injury survivors and to fund research into a cure.

Steve Reilly and Ryan Cunningham win the Rule 12(b)(6) dismissal of "wrongful foreclosure" claims brought against our client, a large national bank.

Andrea Peraner-Sweet has been appointed as a Hearing Officer of the Board of Bar Overseers for a three year term. The Board of Bar Overseers is an independent administrative body established by the Supreme Judicial Court to investigate and evaluate complaints against attorneys. This is Andrea's second time being appointed as a Hearing Officer.

Jonathan W. Fitch moderated a panel discussion titled "Insider Views on International Dispute Resolution" at the Boston Bar Association. The program featured Secretary General Alexander Fessas of the ICC International Court of Arbitration; Mark T. Beaudouin, General Counsel and Secretary of Waters Corporation; Andrea DiFabio, Chief Legal Officer of Bioverativ Inc.; Roland Schroeder, Global Executive Counsel - Corporate Litigation and Legal Policy for General Electric Company; and Philip D. O'Neill, Jr., Arbitrator and Professor at Boston College Law School and Boston University Law School.

Jonathan W. Fitch was moderator of a panel discussion, "The Golden Age of International Arbitration," at the Boston Bar Association.

William G. Cosmas is elected partner of FITCH.

Lacey L. Brantley joined FITCH as an Associate. Lacey graduated from Boston University School of Law, magna cum laude, in 2016. She completed a clerkship with the Probate and Family Court Department of the Trial Court of Massachusetts prior to joining the firm.

In a case argued by Steve Reilly, the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel of the First Circuit issued an opinion affirming the dismissal of claims brought in an adversary proceeding against Fitch Law Partners' client, a large national bank.

In a case involving convoluted allegations of defamation and unfair credit reporting, a Norfolk Superior Court judge granted a motion dismissing claims against our clients, a local community bank and certain of its employees.

Steven E. Gurdin was a guest speaker at the Senior Partners for Justice monthly luncheon. Steve spoke about "CORI" - Criminal Offender Record Information and "CARI" - Court Activity Record Information in the context of family law cases in the Massachusetts Probate and Family Courts. Senior Partners for Justice was established in 2002 when the Honorable Edward M. Ginsburg, a retired Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court established this innovative new pro bono program. Senior Partners for Justice asks lawyers from all legal backgrounds to use their talents to serve those who would otherwise go unrepresented in court.

Jeffrey A. Soilson was a panelist at MCLE's Child Support Update 2017. Mr. Soilson spoke on the topic of the new child support guidelines and special issues that arise in child support cases.

Jeffrey A. Soilson was elected President-Elect of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Attorneys (AAML), a national organization that promotes the highest degree of professionalism and excellence in the practice of family law.

Steven E. Gurdin co-chaired the 20th Annual MCLE Family Law conference. During the conference, Mr. Gurdin moderated the Family Court Judicial Forum. This marked Mr. Gurdin's 14th consecutive year as the moderator. Judges from the Middlesex, Norfolk and Plymouth Counties Probate and Family Courts sat on the panel and delivered their opinions and legal analysis on hypothetical fact patterns prepared by Mr. Gurdin and his colleagues at FITCH.

Steven E. Gurdin and Jeffrey A. Soilson attended the 54th Annual Conference of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts ("AFCC"). This 4-day conference is intended to carry out the mission of the AFCC which is an interdisciplinary and international association of professionals dedicated to improving the lives of children and families through the resolution of family conflict.

Jonathan W. Fitch was moderator of a panel discussion, "ESI Discovery in Arbitration," at the Annual Dispute Resolution Symposium of the Massachusetts Bar Association.

Steven E. Gurdin co-chaired the 2- day MCLE Divorce Law Basics program. The program is a comprehensive course that provides family law practitioners with the fundamental skills and approaches necessary to effectively represent clients in divorce. Mr. Gurdin has chaired the program for the past thirteen years.

Jonathan W. Fitch was moderator of a panel discussion, "Spotlight on Evidence in Arbitration," sponsored by the Dispute Resolution Section of the Massachusetts Bar Association.

Fitch Law Partners announces that the recipients of the annual Fitch Law Partners Scholarship have been selected for the 2017-2018 academic year. Read the Press Release here.

Steven E. Gurdin was a guest speaker at "Jane Does Well" - a divorce support group serving Wellesley, Needham, Newton and the greater Boston area. Steve spoke on various topics including recent developments in Massachusetts law on issues relating to alimony and gifted/inherited property.

Andrea Peraner-Sweet published The New Transgender Anti-Discrimination Law and Guidance Issued by the Attorney General's Office and the MCAD in the Boston Bar Journal.

An article by Jonathan W. Fitch, Arbitration: Spotlight on the Preliminary Hearing was published in the MBA Lawyers Journal.

Jonathan W. Fitch was elected as a Fellow of The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, the leading scholarly organization for international arbitrators based in London.

The Appeals Court affirmed summary judgment on behalf of our client, a community-based hospital, affirming that the hospital had not engaged in racial, religious or national origin discrimination or retaliation when it terminated its employee for poor performance. Partner Andrea Peraner-Sweet argued the case.

Andrea Peraner-Sweet was elected Chair of the Board of Selectmen for the Town of Westford.

Jonathan W. Fitch was a panelist at a program at Harvard Law School on recent developments in international arbitration. The program was sponsored by the Harvard International Arbitration Law Students Association and by ICDR Young & International.

Michele E. Connolly joins Fitch Law Partners LLP as an Associate.

Jonathan W. Fitch was a panelist at MCLE's 8th Annual New England ADR and the Law 2016. Mr. Fitch spoke on the topic of "Basic Planning for International Arbitration and Emerging Practices."

Jonathan W. Fitch was a guest lecturer at Suffolk Law School for a new course, "Positive Psychology For Lawyers," taught by Professor Lisle Baker.

Steven E. Gurdin was a guest lecturer at New England Law Boston in the Law Practice Management Course. Mr. Gurdin lectured on various aspects of law firm management.

Winners of Fitch Law Partners LLP 2016-2017 scholarships have been announced. Read the Press Release here.

Peter Ball was reappointed to his second three-year term as a member of the Board of Editors of the Boston Bar Journal, which is published quarterly by the Boston Bar Association.

Nathalie K. Salomon joins Fitch Law Partners LLP as an Associate.

In a U.S. District Court case involving allegations of breach of a mortgage contract, Steve Reilly and Ryan Cunningham prevail on a motion to dismiss all claims against the firm's client, a leading national bank.

In a Massachusetts Superior Court case involving complex allegations of "wrongful foreclosure," Steve Reilly and Will Cosmas prevail on a motion for summary judgment and obtain dismissal of all claims against the firm's client, a leading national bank.

Jonathan W. Fitch was appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals for the Town of Sherborn.

Andrea Peraner-Sweet was elected to her third term as a member of the Town of Westford's Board of Selectmen.

Andrea Peraner-Sweet was a panelist on the 6th Annual Trials Facing Female Litigators hosted by the Women's Caucus of the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys and the Women's Bar Association.

Steven E. Gurdin served as a faculty member at the Annual MCLE Family Law Trial Advocacy Workshop. This program is a challenging five-day course where participates have an opportunity to "get on their feet" under the rigorous scrutiny of judges and leading practitioners.

The firm proudly supported the MetroWest Legal Services by participating in the annual Nancy King Memorial Golf Tournament at the Framingham Country Club. MetroWest Legal Services provides free civil legal aid to low-income people who would be denied justice without their help.

The Firm proudly supported the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation by participating in the New England Patriots Fantasy Sports Camp. Partner Steven E. Gurdin put on the pads and scored some big hits!

Jeffrey A Soilson is co-editor of the MCLE New England publication "Financial Aspects of Divorce in Massachusetts" published on May 10, 2016.

Steve Reilly wins a defense verdict for our client, a large national bank, thus defeating the plaintiff bank customer's claim that the bank had wrongfully paid certain checks drawn on the customer's business checking account.

Jennifer E. Greaney's Case Comment entitled " Abate v. Fremont Investment & Loan: Defining 'Adverse Claim' in Try Title Actions " was published in the April 2016 edition of the Massachusetts Law Review.

Partner Steven E. Gurdin co-chaired the 2- day MCLE Divorce Law Basics program. The program is a comprehensive course that provides family law practitioners with the fundamental skills and approaches necessary to effectively represent clients in divorce. Mr. Gurdin has chaired the program for the past twelve years.

Steven Gurdin served as a panelist on the Massachusetts Bar Association CLE program titled - Off the Record: Deposition Preparation, Objectives and Techniques in Practice.

Managing Partner Jonathan W. Fitch was moderator of a panel discussion titled, " Best Practices in Arbitration: The Role of the Arbitrator, " sponsored by the Dispute Resolution Committee of the Massachusetts Bar Association.

Partner Patrick T. Clendenen has been selected by the Nominating Committee of the Business Law Section of the American Bar Association to be its next Secretary, effective in September 2016. This is the first step of a four-year leadership succession plan under which Clendenen is expected to become Section Chair in 2020.

Partner Jeffrey Soilson was a discussion leader in Family Law at MCLE's Practicing with Professionalism Seminar: a day-long seminar that every newly admitted lawyer in Massachusetts must attend after being admitted to the bar.

Partner Jeffrey Soilson was a guest lecturer on family law topics at New England School of Law.

In a U.S. District Court case involving complex allegations of predatory lending and breach of a mortgage contract, Steve Reilly and Ryan Cunningham prevail on a motion to dismiss all claims against firm's client, a leading national bank.

Steven Gurdin successfully obtained a sizable contempt judgment for non-payment of child support on behalf of a single father against the non-custodial mother. With the assistance of the Essex County Sheriff's department the mother was apprehended after failing to appear at the scheduled contempt trial. Two Deputy Sheriff's were able to locate the mother and immediately brought her before the Essex County Probate and Family Court. At the conclusion of the contempt trial, the Court ordered the mother to either pay the amounts owed or serve 30 days in jail. The mother remained in custody at the courthouse for the remainder of the day. An hour before being transferred to Framingham state prison, the mother (or someone on her behalf), made the required payments in order for her to be released from custody. The Court further ordered that the mother pay the father's attorneys' fees in prosecuting the contempt action.

Steven E. Gurdin was a Guest Lecturer at New England Law Boston in the Law Practice Management Course. Mr. Gurdin lectured on various aspects of law firm management.

On January 28, 2016, FITCH had a strong showing at the "Walk to Hill" day of advocacy at the State House on behalf of funding for civil legal aid. Over 600 attorneys and law students participated in the annual event, which highlights how crucial state funding is to legal aid programs across the Commonwealth. Civil aid programs provide free legal advice to low-income individuals and families facing legal problems such as eviction, health care emergencies, and wage theft. Speakers included the Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, Ralph Gants, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, and individuals helped by legal services. FITCH had one of the top law firm participation rates at the 2016 Walk to the Hill, with 16 lawyers (80%) of the firm participating!

Heather V. Baer published Recent Amendments to Superior Court Rules and Standing Orders, 60 Boston Bar J. 1(Winter 2016) .

As a Director of Overcoming Barriers, Jeffrey A. Soilson helped conduct a specialized program for clinicians working with post-separation problems where children resist contact with a parent.

Jonathan W. Fitch moderates a panel discussion on "International Arbitration: Hot Topics and Smart Contracts" at a meeting of the New England Legal Foundation.

The firm receives a Tier 1 ranking in the 2016 Edition of U.S. News - Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms." ^®

Partner Andrea Peraner-Sweet is honored as among the "Top Women of Law" by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly at dinner held at the Marriott Copley Place Hotel.

Partner Jeffrey A. Soilson is recognized as a "Top 100 Massachusetts Super Lawyer" ^® in a list published in Boston Magazine.

Twelve FITCH lawyers are recognized as "Massachusetts Super Lawyers" ^® an honor awarded to no more than 5 percent of the lawyers in Massachusetts.

Seven FITCH lawyers are recognized as "Massachusetts Super Lawyers - Rising Stars" ^® an honor awarded to less than 2.5% of the lawyers in Massachusetts under the age of 40.

Eight FITCH partners are listed in Best Lawyers in America ^® 2016.

Jonathan W. Fitch was guest panelist at Boston College Law School on mediation and ADR topics.

William G. Cosmas published From Here to Clemency: Navigating the Massachusetts Pardon Process, 59 Boston Bar J. (Spring 2015) .

Jonathan W. Fitch was featured in Financier Worldwide's 2015 Commercial Arbitration Annual Review . Mr. Fitch contributed the United States chapter to the international report.

Jeffrey A. Soilson earned the Certified Financial Litigator (CFL) designation through the American Academy of Certified Financial Litigators.

Jeffrey A. Soilson was a faculty member at the seminar entitled "Parenting Plans and Shared Custody: Recent Research and Implications for Family Law Professionals" presented at the annual conference of the Massachusetts Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts.

Steven E. Gurdin and Jeffrey Solison were accepted to the Greater Boston Family Law American Inn of Court. The Inn's goal is to improve the practice of Family Law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through peer guidance, civility and growth as sophisticated practitioners.

Partner Jeffrey A. Soilson was named a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

Partner Jeffrey A. Soilson became a Director of Overcoming Barriers, a non-profit organization created to promote children's healthy relationships with their parents where a child is at risk of losing a relationship with a parent.

Steven E. Gurdin, Jeffrey A. Soilson, Kristine A. Cummings, Barbara L. Drury and Carlos A. Maycotte became members of the American Academy for Certified Financial Litigators.

FITCH opens a Metrowest Office. Read the Press Release here

Partners Peter E. Ball, Jonathan W. Fitch, Steven E. Gurdin, Kurt S. Kusiak and Andrea Peraner-Sweet and were named to the list of The Best Lawyers in America, 2015.

Steven E. Gurdin has been named to the New England Advisory Board of the American Academy of Certified Financial Litigators (The "AACFL"). The AACFL is a professional membership organization dedicated to enhancing the legal profession through advanced financial training. Its mission is to provide innovative financial training programs designed to increase the financial knowledge of attorneys dealing with financial issues in litigation.

Jeffrey Soilson was a faculty member at the MCLE seminar on June 17, 2014 titled: "Married (& Divorcing) with Children - Handling support and custody issues."

Steven E. Gurdin moderated the Spring 2014 MCLE Family Court Judicial Forum in Taunton, MA. This marks Mr. Gurdin's 12th consecutive year as the moderator. Judges from the Probate and Family Court sat on the panel and delivered their opinions and legal analysis on hypothetical fact patterns prepared by Mr. Gurdin and his colleagues at FITCH.

Steven E. Gurdin co-chaired the 2- day MCLE Divorce Law Basics program. The program is a comprehensive course that provides family law practitioners with the fundamental skills and approaches necessary to effectively represent clients in divorce. Mr. Gurdin has chaired the program for the past ten years.

Steven E. Gurdin attended the Joint Conference of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) in Las Vegas. The conference was a multi-day program focused on complex financial matters relating to divorce including issues of business valuation, executive compensation, forensic accounting, and income tax considerations.

Jonathan W. Fitch attended the Spring Meeting of the International Law Section of the American Bar Association in New York City.

Jeffrey A. Soilson was elected to the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Chapter of the AFCC (Association of Family and Conciliation Courts), an interdisciplinary and international association of professionals dedicated to the resolution of family conflict.

Partner Jeffrey Soilson was a faculty member at the joint conference of the Massachusetts Association of Family and Conciliation Courts and Massachusetts Association of Guardians Ad Litem at Regis College, Weston, MA titled: "When the Court and Clinical Practice Collide.

Partner Andrea Peraner-Sweet was re-elected to the Board of Selectman of Westford, Massachusetts for her second term.

Jonathan W. Fitch was elected as Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, "an honorary organization of lawyers, judges, and legal scholars whose public and private careers have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the welfare of their communities and to the highest principles of the legal profession."

Jeffrey A. Soilson chaired an MCLE seminar on High Conflict Custody Cases.

Steven E. Gurdin moderated the Spring 2013 MCLE Family Court Judicial Forum in Worcester, MA. This marks Mr. Gurdin's 11th consecutive year as the moderator. Judges from the Probate and Family Court sat on the panel and delivered their opinions and legal analysis on hypothetical fact patterns prepared by Mr. Gurdin and his colleagues at FITCH.

Steven E. Gurdin co-chaired the 2- day MCLE Divorce Law Basics program. The program is a comprehensive course that provides family law practitioners with the fundamental skills and approaches necessary to effectively represent clients in divorce. Mr. Gurdin has chaired the program for the past nine years.

Steven E. Gurdin was sworn in at the U.S. Supreme Court as part of a two day alumni event of Albany Law School of Union University in Washington, D.C.

Jonathan W. Fitch and associates Carlos A. Maycotte attended the conference of the International Law Section of the American Bar Association in Washington, D.C. and participated in three days of seminars with attorneys from around the globe.

Peter E. Ball was a panelist at the annual MCLE Deposition Practice conference.

Finally a Treaty for the Enforcement of U.S. Court Judgments Abroad, written by Jonathan W. Fitch and summer associate Faith Hill was published in the Massachusetts Law Journal.

Steven E. Gurdin moderated the Fall 2012 MCLE Family Court Judicial Forum. This marks Mr. Gurdin's 10th consecutive year as the moderator. Mr. Gurdin moderated panels in Boston and Taunton. Judges from the Probate and Family Court sat on the panel and delivered their opinions and legal analysis on hypothetical fact patterns prepared by Mr. Gurdin and his colleagues at the firm.

Peter E. Ball, Jonathan W. Fitch, Steven E. Gurdin, Kurt S. Kusiak, Andrea Peraner-Sweet, James B. Re, Stephen C. Reilly have been included on the Massachusetts Super Lawyers list as outstanding attorneys in Massachusetts for 2012. No more than 5 percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by Super Lawyers.

Peter E. Ball, Jonathan W. Fitch and Steven E. Gurdin were named to the Top 100 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list for 2012. Mr. Ball and Mr. Gurdin were also listed as among the Top 100 New England Super Lawyers.

William G. Cosmas, Kristine A. Cummings, Ryan M. Cunningham, Barbara L. Drury have been named to the Massachusetts Super Lawyers - Rising Stars list as among the top up-and-coming attorneys in Massachusetts for 2012. Each year, no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state receive this honor.

Jonathan W. Fitch, Carlos Maycotte attended the Annual Meeting of the Section of International Law of the American Bar Association in Miami.

Jonathan W. Fitch attended an international arbitration conference in Bogota, Colombia, jointly sponsored by the International Centre for Dispute Resolution, the international division of the American Arbitration Association, and the Chamber of Commerce of Bogota.

Peter E. Ball, Andrea Peraner-Sweet, Kurt S. Kusiak, and Steven E. Gurdin have been selected by their peers to be included in the Best Lawyers In America®, 19th Edition. Selection for Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive and rigorous peer-review survey comprising nearly 4 million confidential evaluations by the top attorneys in the country. The annual Best Lawyers publication has been described by the American lawyer as "the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice.

Jonathan W. Fitch has been appointed to the panel of arbitrators of the International Centre for Dispute Resolution®, the international division of the American Arbitration Association. The ICDR is one of the most highly respected international arbitral organizations, and it conducts arbitration proceedings throughout the world.

Jonathan W. Fitch has published a chapter titled, "The Limitations on American-Style Discovery in International Arbitration" in a new book, Strategies for International Arbitration, published by Aspatore Press, a division of West Thomson Reuters.

Andrea Peraner-Sweet has been appointed as a hearing officer of the Board of Bar Overseers for a three year term. The Board of Bar Overseers was established by the Supreme Judicial Court in 1974 as an independent administrative body to investigate and evaluate complaints against lawyers.

Steven E. Gurdin chaired the MCLE Divorce Law Basics program on April 12. The program is a comprehensive course that provides family law practitioners with the fundamental skills and approaches necessary to effectively represent clients in divorce. Mr. Gurdin has chaired the program for the past eight years.

Peter E. Ball, Jonathan W. Fitch and Andrea Peraner-Sweet were named as among Boston's Top Rated Lawyers in a list published by the Boston Globe. The list was created by LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell, the company that has long set the standard for peer review ratings.

Jeffrey A. Soilson was a faculty member at an MCLE seminar on Divorce Law.

Jeffrey A. Soilson joins the firm as a Partner. Mr. Soilson focuses in the areas of divorce and family law and probate litigation.

An associate has published a case comment, "Civil Law - Abolishing the Distinction Between Natural and Unnatural Accumulations of Snow and Ice when Determining Negligence of Property Owner," in the current edition of the Massachusetts Law Review.

Partner Peter Ball has been named to the "Top 100 Massachusetts Super Lawyers 2011" list published by Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters rating service, in the November issue of Boston Magazine. This is the third time that Peter has received this professional recognition.

Managing Partner Jonathan Fitch has been named to the "Top 100 Massachusetts Super Lawyers 2011" list published by Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters rating service, in the November issue of Boston Magazine.

We are pleased that eight Fitch Law Partners LLP attorneys have been named to the 2011 "Massachusetts Super Lawyers" list published by Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters rating service, in the November issue of Boston Magazine. Those selected include Peter Ball, Jonathan Fitch, Steven Gurdin, Andrea Peraner-Sweet, James Re, Stephen Reilly. No more than 5 percent of the lawyers in Massachusetts are selected by Super Lawyers. According to Super Lawyers, "The annual selections are made using a rigorous multi-phased process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates, and peer reviews by practice area."

Congratulations to seven Fitch Law Partners LLP attorneys named to the 2011 "Massachusetts Rising Star" list published by Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters rating service, in the November issue of Boston Magazine. Those selected include Will Cosmas, Kristine Anne Cummings, Barbara Drury . The list of attorneys, who are 40 years old or younger, is highly selective; no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in Massachusetts are selected to be on it.

Steven E. Gurdin is a panelist at the MCLE Family Law Case Update 2011 Program. Mr. Gurdin lead a discussion on recent MA case law relating to alimony, child removal and college education expenses.

Partner Stephen Reilly taught a section titled "Creating a Discovery Plan" in the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education course, Civil Discovery Practice: MCLE Basics Plus, on February 16 in Boston. The lecturers at this year's program include other well-known litigators, a provider of e-discovery services and Superior Court Justice Peter Lauriat. Stephen has been a lecturer at MCLE on discovery topics for a number of years.

Expressing its "profound gratitude," the Equal Justice Coalition has presented Fitch Law Partners LLP with the Nancy King Award for the third consecutive year. The award is given to the Massachusetts law firm with the highest percentage of attorneys participating in the annual Walk to the Hill for Civil Legal Aid.

Steven E. Gurdin moderated that Fall 2010 MCLE Family Court Judicial Forum. This marks Mr. Gurdin's 8th consecutive year as the moderator. Mr. Gurdin moderated panels in Boston and Plymouth. Judges from the Probate and Family Court sat on the panel and delivered their opinions and legal analysis on hypothetical fact patterns prepared by Mr. Gurdin.

Congratulations to the eight lawyers of Fitch Law Partners LLP who have been selected as "Massachusetts Super Lawyers" for 2010 in the list published by Law & Politics in Boston Magazine. No more than 5 % of the attorneys in Massachusetts are awarded this honor. All of the lawyers selected have received this recognition in a number of prior years.

Congratulations also to the eight lawyers of Fitch Law Partners LLP who have been selected as "Rising Stars" for 2010 in the "Massachusetts Super Lawyers" list published by Law & Politics in Boston Magazine. No more than 2.5% of the attorneys in Massachusetts under the age of 40 are awarded this honor.

Steven E. Gurdin was honored by the Boston Bar Association on September 21, 2010 at the annual Leadership Appreciation reception for his service to the association as co-chair of the Family Law Section from 2008-2010.

Fitch Law Partners LLP is rated the #1 firm of corporate lawyers by The Boston 10, a website that ranks Boston area businesses and services in top ten lists over a wide range of major categories. The Boston 10 says, "From business litigation to traditional legal services, Massachusetts has a great selection of law firms to choose from," and it places the firm at the top of the list.

Steven E. Gurdin chaired the MCLE Divorce Law Basics program on May 6 and 7. Mr. Gurdin has chaired this program for the past six years. This program is a comprehensive two-day course that provides family law practitioners with the fundamental skills and approaches necessary to effectively represent clients in divorce.

Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly recognizes Jonathan W. Fitch as a "Lawyer of the Year 2009" at a banquet in honor of "Leaders in the Law" at the Westin.

Kurt Kusiak appears as a panelist at the Annual Business Litigation Conference sponsored by Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education.

Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly names Jonathan W. Fitch, the firm's managing partner as a "Lawyer of the Year 2009." Mr. Fitch was one of ten lawyers in the Commonwealth to receive this honor.

Steven E. Gurdin was recognized as a "top volunteering individual" in the 2008-2009 Annual Report of Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE). Steven E. Gurdin was among ten volunteers recognized by MCLE as "top volunteering individuals" out of the 2,431 individuals that volunteered their time, expertise and enthusiasm as MCLE advisers, faculty, authors and editors. Annually, Mr. Gurdin moderates the Family Court Judicial Forum, co-chairs the Divorce Law Basics Program, serves on the Family Law Curriculum Advisory Committee and participates in other family law and probate litigation programs.

Steven E. Gurdin moderates the Fall 2009 MCLE Family Court Judicial Forum. This marks Mr. Gurdin's 7th consecutive year as the moderator. Mr. Gurdin will be moderating panels in Boston and Taunton. Judges from the Probate and Family Court sit on the panel and deliver their opinions and legal analysis on hypothetical fact patterns prepared by Mr. Gurdin.

Law & Politics honors Peter E. Ball as a "Top 100 Massachusetts Super Lawyer" in a list published in Boston Magazine.

Law & Politics award nine Fitch Law Partners LLP lawyers the "Massachusetts Super Lawyer" designation, which is limited to 5% of the lawyers in Massachusetts.

Law & Politics recognize five Fitch Law Partners LLP lawyers as a "Rising Star" in the "Massachusetts Super Lawyer" list published in Boston Magazine. The "Rising Star" award is limited to 2.5% of the lawyers in Massachusetts under the age of 40 who have been practicing for less than 10 years.

Fitch Law Partners LLP celebrates the 25 ^th Anniversary of its Founding.

Steven E. Gurdin co-moderated a bench-bar meeting at the Boston Bar Association with five of the newly appointed Probate and Family Court Justices.

Steven E. Gurdin is a panelist at the MCLE 12th Annual Family Law Conference. Mr. Gurdin will be discussing recent developments in case law and legislation. The Family Law Conference is the largest family law program of its kind in Massachusetts.

Steven E. Gurdin will be chairing the MCLE Divorce Law Basics program. Mr. Gurdin has chaired this program for the past five years. This program is a comprehensive two-day course that provides family law practitioners with the fundamental skills and approaches necessary to effectively represent clients in divorce.

Robert Mendillo served on a panel of instructors for a deposition skills training program offered to various assistant attorneys general by the Massachusetts Attorney General's Institute.

Peter Ball is a panelist for the fourth consecutive year for the MCLEs annual program on Civil Deposition Practice.

Steven E. Gurdin moderates the Fall 2008 MCLE Family Court Judicial Forum. This marks Mr. Gurdin's 6th consecutive year as the moderator. Mr. Gurdin will be moderating panels in Boston and Plymouth. Judges from the Probate and Family Court sit on the panel and deliver their opinions and legal analysis on hypothetical fact patterns prepared by Mr. Gurdin.

Ten lawyers of Fitch Law Partners LLP are named 'Massachusetts Super Lawyers,' in a survey published in Boston Magazine. The recognition is given to only 5% of the lawyers in the Commonwealth. Three lawyers of the firm are recognized as 'Massachusetts Rising Stars,' a group of the top 2.5% of all lawyers under the age of 40. See the Press Release for details.

Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly cites the case of Batishchev v. Coldwell Banker, won for our clients by Jonathan Fitch, as among the 'Most Significant Opinions during January ' June 2008.' See Memorandum and Order.

Steve Gurdin named Co-Chair of the Family Law Section of the Boston Bar Association.

Steve Gurdin, a highly regarded attorney who works primarily in the area of family law, joins Fitch Law Partners LLP as a Partner after practicing at Conn Kavanaugh Rosenthal Peisch & Ford, LLP for 12 years, (the past 5 years as a partner).

Steve Reilly co-authors "Preparing To Take A Deposition," which appears as Chapter 3 of the Massachusetts Deposition Practice Manual, 2d ed., 1st Supplement (MCLE, Inc. 2008).

Alex Klibaner lectures on Employee Rights and the Prevention of Workplace Violence at Endicott College's Annual Conference on Workplace and School Violence.

Alex Klibaner co-chairs a CLE program at the Boston Bar Association on Litigating and Winning Employment Discrimination Cases

Peter Ball chairs a Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education program entitled, "What Every In-House Counsel Should Know About Criminal Law."

Kurt Kusiak appears as a panelist at the Annual Business Litigation Conference sponsored by Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education.

Nine lawyers of Fitch Law Partners LLP, including all of the firm's partners, are named "Massachusetts Super Lawyers" in Boston Magazine - a recognition limited to 5% of the lawyers in the Commonwealth.

Fitch Law Partners LLP was identified as a "Hidden Gem" in a survey of 427 corporate counsel at 3 types of companies: Fortune 1000 organizations, large privately held companies and major financial services firms.

Barbara Drury, Alex Klibaner, Elizabeth Koenig and Amber Villa recognized as "Rising Stars" placing them among the top 2.5% of lawyers under the age of 40 in the "Massachusetts Super Lawyers" poll appearing in Boston Magazine.

Kurt Kusiak testified before the Joint Revenue Committee of the Massachusetts House and Senate on a bill which would allow cities and towns to exempt senior citizens on limited, fixed incomes from Proposition 2 1/2 overrides.

Alex Klibaner moderated a program at the Boston Bar Association entitled Taking Advantage of Pre-Litigation Opportunities: Drafting and Responding to Demand Letters.

Kurt Kusiak to appear as a panelist at the annual Business Litigation Conference of Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education in Boston.

Peter Ball to appear as a panelist at the annual Deposition Practice Conference of Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education in Boston.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has appointed our partner, James B. Re, to be a Member of the Court's Standing Advisory Committee on the Rules of Professional Conduct. Mr. Re commences membership on the Advisory Committee as he concludes his four-year term as a Member (Vice Chair in his final year) of the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers of the Supreme Judicial Court from January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2006. The Board of Bar Overseers is a 12-member board appointed by the Supreme Judicial Court to review allegations of misconduct lodged against lawyers.

Stephen Reilly's comments on the efforts of banks to combat check fraud appear in the Boston Business Journal.

Nine lawyers of Fitch Law Partners LLP, including all of the firm's partners, named "Massachusetts Super Lawyers," by a poll appearing in Boston Magazine. The annual award recognizes the top 5% of the lawyers in Massachusetts.

Peter Ball appointed to Criminal Law Curriculum Advisory Committee of Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education.

Alex Klibaner is appointed to the Steering Committee of the Labor & Employment Section of the Boston Bar Association. Concerned with all aspects of the employer-employee relationship, the Labor and Employment Law Section organizes educational programs, hosts socializing events, and publishes a newsletter for practitioners in the field.

Fitch Law Partners LLP opens new offices at One Beacon Street, Boston, Massachusetts.

Alex Klibaner selected as 2006 'Rising Stars' placing them among the top 2.5% of lawyers under the age of 40, in the 'Super Lawyers' poll appearing in the May 2006 issue of Boston Magazine.

William A. McCormack, a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and professor of trial practice at Boston College Law School, joins Fitch Law Partners LLP as counsel.

On January 1, 2006, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court appointed our partner, James B. Re, to be Vice Chair of the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers of the Supreme Judicial Court. The Board of Bar Overseers is a 12-member board appointed by the Supreme Judicial Court to review allegations of misconduct lodged against lawyers. The Court first appointed Jim to the Board in December 2002 to serve a four-year term, commencing January 1, 2003.

Kurt Kusiak is a faculty panelist for the MCLE's annual Business Litigation program.

Peter Ball is an MCLE faculty panelist on a program regarding the taking of depositions.

Eight lawyers of Fitch Law Partners LLP, including all of the firms partners, named "Massachusetts Super Lawyers" in Boston magazine, an honor awarded to the top 5% of the lawyers in Massachusetts.

Associates Heather Baer and Alexander Klibaner cited as 'Rising Stars,' placing them among the top 2.5% of lawyers under the age of 40, in the 'Super Lawyers' poll appearing in the May 2005 issue of Boston Magazine.

James B. Re teaches in the Harvard Law School Winter Trial Advocacy Workshop as he has for many years.

Kurt S. Kusiak is an MCLE faculty panelist for the Annual Business Litigation program.

20 ^th Anniversary of the founding of Fitch Law Partners LLP.

Stephen C. Reilly is an MCLE faculty panelist for the Annual Massachusetts Discovery Practice program.

Stephen C. Reilly is an MCLE faculty panelist for the Annual Massachusetts Discovery Practice program.

James B. Re appointed to four year term as Member of the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers.