On Aug. 6, 2014, Gov. Patrick signed the “Trial Court bill” into law. This bill now authorizes attorneys to conduct individual attorney jury voir dire in Superior Court Criminal and Civil matters for the first time. The bill also marks a substantial change in prior law regarding the limits on proper attorney argument to juries regarding the total for damages in Superior Court Civil matters. Now suggested total damage amounts for items of general damages, such as pain and suffering, which previously were the sole province of a jury’s deliberations, and not subject to improper suggestion or argument by counsel, may be made by counsel to the jury. Both of these new elements of Superior Court jurisprudence under the Trial Court bill present significant new challenges and pitfalls for lawyers and clients.
The moderated discussion will educate you on the implications of these changes to Superior Court trial practice in Massachusetts, and will offer strategies to navigate effectively going forward.
Panelists:
Heather M. Gamache
John F.X. Lawler
Joseph D. Steinfield
Moderator and Panelist:
Who should attend:
- General Counsel
- In-house litigation counsel
- Professional, general and product liability insurers, including captives and reinsurers; insurance claims supervisors, claims managers and claims representatives
- Litigation managers, risk managers, and any others who have an interest in or otherwise handle frequent superior court litigation