MTLA Statement regarding social justice and racial inequalities. 
6/22/2020

With the truly shocking loss of George Floyd’s life, the all-consuming global pandemic was pushed aside in our daily lives to focus on deep-seated racial prejudice in our country. The Maine Trial Lawyers Association’s (MTLA) leadership recognizes that black lives are at risk in ways that others are not.  Together with our national affiliate the American Association for Justice (AAJ), we stand resolute against police misconduct, brutality, and systemic racism.  Right now, we urge our fellow attorneys to uphold and defend the constitutional and other rights of those wronged, stand up for freedom of speech, and petition our local, state, and federal governments for redress of grievances. We also ask members to consider offering pro bono and reduced rate representation to people who need us most right now and to get involved in an organization dedicated to social change. We are committed to listening to our membership and others about how the MTLA can help address systemic injustices, increase cultural competence, and assist with the healing process in our communities during this difficult time. In the coming months the MTLA Board of Governors is committed to present not just a statement condemning these wrongs, but concrete steps that we can take as an organization to improve our judicial system and our communities. To that end, we have created a committee of our board members to immediately begin this work.  

Note: If you have staff that wish to attend this CLE, have them use the registration link below and enter "staff" into the bar number section of the registration form.   With the rollout of the court system's new electronic filing program starting in Bangor District Court and Penobscot County Superior Court, as well as the Business Consumer Docket, it is time to start getting ready for the future of case filing. MTLA is pleased to offer this free CLE to educate Maine attorneys on the Maine Rules of Electronic Court Systems (RECS). Attendees should use this link to review the rules before the CLE on September 30.  Agenda   12:30 PM – 12:40 Chris Lewis (Moderator) • Welcome Remarks   12:40 – 1:00 Supreme Court Acting Chief Justice Andrew M. Mead  • Introductory remarks and welcome • Overview of process and balancing of interests in developing RECS   1:00 – 1:15 Supreme Court Justice Thomas E. Humphrey  • Brief overview of RECS structure • Access to court records in Civil Matters - Rule 4 • Access to juror information – Rule 8 • Highlights of the rules relating to the Business Consumer Docket   1:15 – 1:20 Questions For Panel   1:20 – 1:35 Supreme Court Justice Ellen A. Gorman • Access to court records in Family/PC Matters – Rule 7   1:35 – 1:40 Questions For Panel   1:40 – 1:55 Chief Judge Jed J. French • Filing – Rules 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 38   1:55 – 2:10 Superior Court Chief Justice Robert Mullen • Service – Rules 31, 35, 36  • Sealing and Impounding – Rules 10, 11   2:10 – 2:30 Questions for all panelists (all topics)   RECS Panelists   Moderator Chris Lewis, Esq., Hardy Wolf & Downing   Justices and Judges Acting Supreme Court Chief Justice Andrew M. Mead Supreme Court Justice Ellen A. Gorman Supreme Court Justice Thomas E. Humphrey Superior Court Chief Justice Robert Mullen District Court Chief Judge Jed J. French   Practitioners Erika Bristol, Esq., Law Office of Erika S. Bristol Eric Wykoff, Esq., Pierce Atwood LLP Maureen Boston, Esq., Pine Tree Legal Assistance   Maine Judicial Branch Administrators Katharine Wiltuck, Esq.  David Packard Anne Jordan, Esq.  Laura Pearlman, Esq.  Caroline Jova, Esq.  Joanna Davis, Esq.  Betsy Boardman, Esq.  Allison Gray, Esq.  Jonathan Huntington, Esq.    Tyler Technologies Will Richardson, Tyler Technologies   Program Starts at 12:30 PM Participants will receive 2.0 hours of credit Cost: Free Register Here or Call MTLA at (207) 623-2661. Registrants will receive sign-on instructions via email after they have registered.