If you missed our Tufts Judicial Series with Hon. R. Guy Cole, Jr. -- watch it here!

Recap of Tufts Lawyers Series Event with Judge R. Guy Cole, by Tom Dunn, TLA President

Serving as a champion of justice, mentorship, and collegiality are themes that resonated from the discussion Steve Wermiel and I had with Judge Cole on December 1, 2021 during the 6th Tufts Judicial Series event.  

He explained the importance of his upbringing in Birmingham, Alabama, living in a neighborhood that experienced bombings and other injustice.  He explained that Martin Luther King, Jr. would routinely stay at a house a few doors down when he was in town and how those years through his first year at Tufts (1968) challenged him and the country as a whole to pursue justice and equality.  

Having family members in the medical industry, Judge Cole aimed at a pre-med degree at Tufts, but then decided to gravitate more towards the law.  From his time at Tufts through law school and his professional practice at the largest law firm in Columbus, Ohio (the firm's first African American partner), working at the Department of Justice, his service as a Bankruptcy Judge, and finally his 26-year tenure on the 6th Circuit, Judge Cole stated that his has always had a desire for public service.  

Judge Cole explained his accomplishments in enhancing and fostering collegiality as the Chief Judge of the 6th Circuit often through simple things as getting the Judges together prior to en banc arguments, at retreats or other functions.   He explained the deliberations process between panel members and the process by which the opinions are developed.  He expressed his views on creating awareness about judicial appointments, the role of politics in judicial appointments, and the independence of the judiciary.

He explained that his 100+ law clerks are more than just mentees, they are like his kids in many ways.  He stays in touch with them throughout their careers and finds that the clerkship relationships is one of the most rewarding aspects of his job.  

As far as advice for the next generation of Tufts Lawyers, Judge Cole emphasized patience.  He said that you don't need to have your whole career mapped out and then stick to it.  You may have bosses or jobs that don't work and that is normal.  Continue to do your best and achieve your goals.  

Thanks Judge Cole for spending time with us.  It was a great discussion and we were so honored to have you join us.  

 ***

R. Thomas Dunn is the head of the construction group and the partner in charge of the Providence, Rhode Island office of Pierce Atwood, LLP.  He practices construction law and commercial/business litigation in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.  Tom is the President of the Tufts Lawyers Association.  If you want to learn more about the TLA, please contact Tom at rtdunn@PierceAtwood.com.

Tufts Judicial Series Event -- Hon. R. Guy Cole, A72, US Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit

We are honored and excited that our last Tufts Judicial Series of 2021 will feature Judge Ransey Guy Cole Jr. on Wednesday, December 1, 2021.  

REGISTER HERE

Judge Cole was nominated by President Clinton and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 1995 to a judgeship on the United State Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, which hears all federal appeals from the States of Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, and Tennessee. In August 2014, Judge Cole assumed the role of Chief Judge for the Sixth Circuit—becoming the first African American to hold that position since the court’s formation in 1869-until April 2021. During his twenty-six years on the appellate bench, Judge Cole has authored hundreds of legal opinions, including landmark decisions on civil rights, criminal procedure, and the scope of the First Amendment, among others.  Judge Cole lives in Columbus, Ohio with his family.

The program will be a "fireside chat" with Judge Cole led by Judge Cole's classmate, Stephen Wermiel, A72 (Professor at American University) and Tom Dunn, A00 (Pierce Atwood LLP and TLA President). We will also have some time for general discussion and networking at the conclusion of the program.

We learned a lot from Judge Locke -- Tufts Judicial Series

On June 2, 2021, Becky Goldberg (recent Columbia Law School Graduate) and Marc Sittenreich (Garfunkel Wild) interviewed Magistrate Steven Locke of the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York (EDNY).

Judge Locke discussed the unique attributes of Magistrate Judges, including its history and diversity of usage throughout the United States District Courts.  He described that EDNY currently has a huge caseload and that the Magistrate Judges handle the civil cases mostly through the discovery and motion for summary judgment stages of the litigation.  He described his thoughts on bail decisions, including implicit biases, and the effort that he commits towards the cases he adjudicates.  

Judge Locke promoted the strong benefits of clerkship as well as service as an Associate United States Attorney.  He described how much he enjoys working with his law clerks and interns.  He prefers to hire his law clerks after a couple years of experience.  

The TLA's Tufts Judicial Series is making connections.  Judge Locke described how he has been in touch with Judge Birotte after his program.  He mentioned that he may adopt Judge Birotte's policy of allowing oral argument if an attorney with less than seven years experience handles the argument.  In addition, during the networking portion of the meeting, Judge Locke's friend from Tufts re-connected with Judge Locke from India!  Despite it being 5AM in India, Guatam Chawla and Judge Locke recounted old times during the call.  It was fun to see.   Below is a screenshot of that moment.  

Thank you Judge Locke for sharing your time with us this week.  And, great job moderating Marc and Becky!  

We will post the recording once it is available.  If you have questions about the Tufts Judicial Series or the Tufts Lawyers Association, contact me, Tom Dunn, TLA President, at rtdunn@PierceAtwood.com

Everyone needs to make their own journey -- Hon. Nancy Atlas, J71

Early on in her legal career, Judge Atlas said that she received fabulous advice that "everyone needs to make their own journey."  During the Tufts Judicial Series program on May 12th featuring Judge Atlas, she shared that advice to attendees.  She also emphasized the importance of returning the practice of law into a profession.  During her practice as an attorney and tenure as a United States District Judge, she explained that she has seen the professionalism of the legal practice diminish into more of a business.  This comes from all perspectives -- client, firm, partner, and associate. 

Our two excellent TLA moderators from Houston, Texas, Jimmy Leo and Laurens Wilkes, asked Judge Atlas about a whole range of topics from her legal career, changes in the law during her practice, diversity, and current conditions responding to the pandemic.  A video of the discussion will be available in a couple of weeks if you missed the program.  

Some of the highlights for me from yesterday's program included:

• Civil vs. Criminal Cases - Judge Atlas explained that she finds criminal cases very interesting.  She expressed the sense of importance and responsibility in adjudicating those cases. The civil cases, however, are growing increasingly more complex. As an example, she stated that Congress is passing legislation which is hundreds of pages and she is concerned very few of them are reading it.  The legislative history does not provide much assistance so the judiciary is left to interpret it.  
• Law Clerks - Judge Atlas' preference was to hire law clerks with 1-2 years of legal experience.  She also had a career law clerk which made training and working with the 1 year law clerks more productive. 
• Diversity in Clerkships and the Profession - Specifically, she mentioned the ABA's Judicial Intern Opportunity Program and the Just the Beginning Foundation as excellent programs.  
• Mentorship and Training - Judge Atlas is concerned that there is not enough opportunities for more junior attorneys to receive the experience and training of trial practice.  She explained that there is a desire to overturn every stone and an inability to employ the strategic, risk-taking approaches that is inherent in trial practice given the lack of experience. To make a difference on this issue in her courtroom, Judge Atlas imposed a policy that oral argument would be granted if an attorney who has practiced less than seven years presents the oral argument.  She also encouraged co-counsel to present themselves during oral argument when consulted by lead counsel.  
• Clearing the Civil Case Backlog.  We had a discussion about ways the civil case backlog could be cleared following the pandemic.  Judge Atlas suggested a non-binding summary jury trial with a retired justice (likely followed by a mediation session) as such an ADR method.  Others discussed trials referred to Magistrate Judges to clear the cases.  Interestingly, some districts are permitting counsel to select Magistrate Judges for that purpose.  

We were honored to have our previously featured guest, Judge Andre Birotte, and our next Tufts Judge, Magistrate Judge Steven Locke, attend this program.  Please register for the Judge Locke program scheduled for June 2nd at 6:30PM.   

Contact me (Tom Dunn, TLA President - rtdunn@PierceAtwood.com) to learn more about these events or about the TLA in general.  

Tufts Judicial Series -- Hon. Nancy F. Atlas, J71

Join us on May 12th for our next Tufts Judicial Series featuring The Honorable Nancy F. Atlas, Senior United States District Judge, Southern District of Texas.  

After graduating from Tufts in 1971, Judge Atlas had a varied career involving both complex commercial litigation matters and serving as an Assistant United States Attorney.  

Judge Atlas was appointed to the bench in 1995, sitting in Houston, Texas, While on the bench, Judge Atlas has been active in the ABA and its Section of Litigation in various leadership roles and on numerous CLE programs.  She co-founded the Atlas Intellectual Property Inn of Court in Houston.  She also served on the Committee on Judicial Security of the U.S. Judicial Conference from 2005 to 2015, and chaired the Committee from 2010 to 2015.  

The event will be co-moderated by Leo J. Leo III, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Southern District of Texas and J. Laurens Wilkes, Jones Day.  Both moderators are TLA members based in Houston, Texas!   

We hope to see you on May 12th at 5PM CT / 6PM ET.  If you have any questions about this event, feel free to contact me (Tom Dunn, TLA President, rtdunn@pierceatwood.com).  

REGISTER

 

Keep on Swinging!

Judge Andre Birotte, U.S. District Court Judge for the Central District of California, charmed the 40+ TLA members and guests during the April 7, 2021 Tufts Judicial Series virtual event.  He was candid, energetic, and inspirational with his comments and advice to TLA members.  I am sure I am not the only one who was proud to call him a fellow Jumbo!  

TLA moderators, Lori Liu and Soo Park, asked Judge Birotte a wide range of questions from his time at Tufts, his decision to venture across the country to attend law school in California (from New Jersey after Tufts), his first positions in private practice, his service as a defense lawyer, U.S. Attorney, inspector general, and finally as a U.S. District Court Judge.  Judge Birotte brought both humor and seriousness to his answers for a memorable program.  

Just a few takeaways for me included:

• Importance of different backgrounds to serve in all aspects of the judicial branch of government.  Judge Birotte expressed his strong belief that it is important to have as many different backgrounds and perspectives serving in all positions of the judicial system -- judges, prosecutors, public defense attorneys.This includes representation in all aspects including gender, race, and other experiences.  He said judgment is critical in the criminal justice system and having the divergent perspectives aids in the best outcome.  He noted that there is recent discussion from President Biden that in his judicial appointments he is looking to diversify the federal judiciary and, in so explaining what he meant, he identified considering federal public defenders (which are unrepresented on the bench at present).   
• Criminal sentencing.  Judge Birotte expressed the sense of responsibility he feels when he issues a criminal sentence. That is one of the most challenging parts of being a Judge.  
• Developing skills of junior attorneys.  Judge Birotte explained he has a standing order whereby oral argument will be granted to parties if counsel commits to having a more junior attorney argue a motion before him.  This is to encourage opportunities for younger and junior attorneys.  He also talked about the strong bond he has with his externs and clerks.  He encouraged those interested in clerkships to "spread the net widely" and be flexible regarding locations to obtain the clerkship experience.  
  

Finally, throughout his remarks, one theme was to keep on swinging for opportunities.  Judge Birotte expressed all attorneys should be deliberate about seeking out opportunities and to be energetic and purposeful about making it known that you are available to assist.  Judge Birotte's work ethic produced the success story of his diverse and interesting career path.  Thank you to Judge Birotte for sharing your story with us.  

If you missed the April 7 program, we recorded it and it will be available in a few weeks.  I will post it on this website for all to view.  

Tom Dunn, A00

TLA President

rtdunn@PierceAtwood.com

Tufts Judicial Series -- Hon. Andre Birotte, Jr., A87, U.S. District Court, Central District of California (April 7, 2021 @ 5PM PT / 8PM ET)

Register: https://alumniandfriends.tufts.edu/attend-events-reunions/tufts-judicial-series-1  

Judge Birotte was appointed by President Obama and unanimously confirmed by the Senate in July 2014. 

The son of Haitian immigrants, Judge Birotte graduated from Pepperdine University School of Law in 1991 and Tufts University in 1987.  

Prior to his nomination to the federal bench, Judge Birotte served as the United States Attorney for the Central District for four years.  As United States Attorney, Judge Birotte represented one of the largest Federal Judicial Districts in the country and was responsible for overseeing approximately 265 attorneys and 200 staff members located in offices in Los Angeles, Riverside, and Santa Ana. 

From 2003 to 2010, Judge Birotte served as Inspector General of the Los Angeles Police Department. As head of the Office of the Inspector General, he was responsible for conducting and overseeing LAPD internal investigations and audits to ensure compliance with both LAPD policies and mandates imposed by a Federal Consent Decree. Judge Birotte first joined the Office of the Inspector General in 2001 as an Assistant Inspector General. 

From 1999 to 2001, Judge Birotte worked as an associate at Quinn Emanuel, where he represented clients in white-collar crime and commercial litigation matters. Prior to joining Quinn Emanuel, Judge Birotte served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Central District from 1995 to 1999, and as a Deputy Public Defender in Los Angeles County from 1991 to 1995. 

The program will start with a "fireside chat" with Judge Birotte before we move to breakout rooms for informal networking. 

Question, comments, or learn more about TLA? 

Contact

Tom Dunn, A00

TLA President

rtdunn@PierceAtwood.com

Tufts Judicial Series -- Judge Rice's Recording Available and Save The Date for the Next Tufts Judicial Series Program on April 7, 2021

I want to thank Ken Priore (TLA West Coast Chair), John Hanover, and Michael Chen for the great session with The Honorable Judge Stuart Rice, Los Angeles Superior Court.  

Judge Rice was engaging and the moderators (and attendees) asked great questions from clerkships to how to become a Judge.  If you watch the video of the program, you will get to know Judge Rice's path to the bench and what to expect if you are before him in court.  

The Tufts Lawyers Association is appreciative of Judge Rice for participating in this program.  

We are excited to continue this series on April 7, 2021 when we will feature the Honorable Andre Birotte Jr., U.S. District Court, Central District of California. Please register for the program. 

To learn more about TLA, contact me.

Tom Dunn, A00, 

TLA President

rtdunn@PierceAtwood.com.  

Q&A Zoom Meeting with Judge Rice (Los Angeles Superior Court) Tomorrow (1/27 @5PM) -- Still Time To Register!

REGISTER

Judge Rice has been a judge for over fifteen years.  He graduated from Tufts in 1975 magna cum laude with a history major.  He has served four times on the Los Angeles Superior Court Executive Committee and has been a member of the State Bar Board of Governors and the Judicial Council of California.

TLA West Coast Members -- John Hanover (Partner at Alson & Bird) and Michael Chen (Assistant Dean of Admissions at Western State College of Law) will lead the conversation with Judge Rice.  We will be reviewing the chat room for questions from other participants as well.  We want this to be an interactive conversation with Judge Rice and our moderators.  

The chair of TLA's West Coast Steering Committee and TLA board member, Ken Priore, will also be in attendance guiding the program along.  TLA is interested in growing its TLA West Coast committee in 2021.  Anyone interested in helping out with that effort and future programs should reach out to Ken or TLA President, Tom Dunn.  

Following the Q&A, we will enter breakout rooms for 10-15 minutes to make connections and build the TLA Network.  

We look forward to seeing you tomorrow!  

Register for the Next Tufts Judicial Series with Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Stuart Rice, A75, on January 27th at 5PM PT | 8PM ET

TLA is thrilled to have The Honorable Stuart M. Rice, Judge of the Superior Court, County of Los Angeles, California join us virtually on January 27 at 5PM PT | 8PM ET for TLA's second Tufts Judicial Series program where we feature the background, career paths, and current events with Tufts alumni who have joined the state and federal judiciary. 

REGISTER

Judge Rice has been a judge for over fifteen years.  He graduated from Tufts in 1975 magna cum laude with a history major.  He earned his J.D. from Northeastern and joined private practice thereafter.  During his tenure on the bench and prior, Judge Rice has led numerous organizations including serving as President of:

• Aranda Inns of Court
• California Judges Association 
• California Court Commissioners Association 
• Long Beach Bar Association 
• California Young Lawyers Association 

He has served four times on the Los Angeles Superior Court Executive Committee and has been a member of the State Bar Board of Governors and the Judicial Council of California.

The program will start with a "fireside chat" with Judge Rice led by two TLA West Coast Members -- John Hanover (Partner at Alson & Bird) and Michael Chen (Assistant Dean of Admissions at Western State College of Law).

The chair of TLA's West Coast Steering Committee and TLA board member, Ken Priore, will also be in attendance guiding the program along.  TLA is interested in growing its TLA West Coast committee in 2021.  Anyone interested in helping out with that effort and future programs should reach out to Ken or TLA President, Tom Dunn.  

Following the Q&A, we will enter into networking breakout rooms for 10-15 minutes to make connections and build the TLA Network.  

We look forward to seeing you on the 27th!  Please spread the word about this event to the #TuftsLawyers in your network.  

Welcome to the Tufts Lawyers Association New Webpage

The Tufts Lawyers Association, Inc. ("TLA") created this webpage to create a platform to allow interested members to learn about TLA, past/future programs, view/join its opt-in directory, and otherwise engage with the TLA community.

On this page, you will find:

• Information about the TLA's history.  We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 2003.  our members are Tufts Alumni who obtained legal degree or attend law school.  
• TLA Leadership.  We provided profiles our board members and other volunteers.  
• Opt-In Membership Directory.  We have 150+ #JumboAttorneys on this list.  It lists practice areas, locations, and other helpful information to re-connect and expand your network for career or professional development.  Visit the page to view and/or join the directory (which we will update on a periodic basis).  
• Tufts Judicial Series.  We started a new series in December 2020 to feature #TLAJudges.  We will post information bout the prior chats with our #TLAJudges on this page.  The next Tufts Judicial Series will feature The Honorable Stuart M. Rice, A75, Judge of the Los Angeles County Superior Court.  Register by clicking below:

• Past Programs.  If TLA is new to you, check out our past events page to learn about the types of programs we put together.  Many of the programs in 2020 were virtual, but we look forward to meeting up with each other later this year when it is safe to do so.  

We will continue to update and improve this webpage with new content about the TLA and upcoming programs.  

We hope you find this webpage a valuable resource.  TLA has lots of opportunities to get engaged, including the standing committees and the following regional steering committees:

• New England
• New York
• Washington, D.C.
• Florida
• West Coast

If you want to learn more about TLA and/or our regional committees, please contact us at TuftsLawyers@gmail.com or TLA's President, Tom Dunn, rtdunn@PierceAtwood.com.