New England Biz Law Update
Over 25 years ago, seven in-house lawyers began to meet informally over lunch to discuss issues in common to their respective in-house practices. The New England Corporate Counsel Association, Inc. was born, and from its modest beginnings, NECCA has grown to over 125 members representing more than 90 companies.
NECCA meets monthly (usually on the first Wednesday of each month) from September through June in Waltham, Mass. Each meeting includes a two-hour seminar on a topic of interest to, and presented from, the perspective of in-house counsel by experts in the subject area. Most seminars are followed by a social break and luncheon.
A few seminars are breakfast programs, in which case the seminars are preceded by a buffet breakfast and followed by a social period. The social breaks and meal periods allow members to socialize, discuss practice issues, network and ask questions of the seminar presenter(s).
The seminar and lunch programs typically run from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., while the seminar and breakfast programs usually run from 7:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (with the seminar beginning at 8:00 a.m.). Members can pick and choose any individual component(s) (e.g., seminar, social hour, luncheon) to fit their schedules on a particular day.
Through its formal programs and strength in numbers of fellow in-house lawyers, NECCA comprehensively addresses the issues and challenges presented within the sometimes isolated existence of in-house lawyers. NECCA members receive practical and thorough continuing legal education advice through the monthly seminars (the seminars are eligible for CLE credit in Rhode Island). In addition, NECCA members often share advice and experience informally with one another, answering practice questions that may arise in the ordinary course or unpredictably.
Indeed, whether by e-mail, phone or in person, NECCA provides a unique forum for networking and communication among its members. A member has the opportunity to discuss practice issues and challenges, and to address his or her particular needs, including questions about legal issues, attorney referrals, compensation, and career advice.
2007-08 Seminars
NECCA seminars cover a wide range of subjects and are designed to appeal to the greatest number of our members. Every practitioner will surely find at least several topics that will aid in his/her particular practice within the 10 monthly seminars given by leading local and national firms over the course of each year.
Below is this year’s schedule (with corresponding presenting law firm and, as applicable, consulting firm):
Although the 2007-08 seminar schedule is just beginning, we are always looking for feedback and input in shaping next year’s seminar schedule. In an effort to continue to devise a seminar schedule with the broadest and most timely appeal to in-house counsel, we invite your input – regardless of whether you are a current NECCA member.
You can suggest a seminar by e-mailing NECCA with your thoughts, at [email protected]. We are very much interested in the areas of law that are most important to in-house counsel and welcome your suggestions for next year’s schedule.
NECCA board
NECCA is a Massachusetts not-for-profit corporation, which is governed by its officers and a 13-person Board of Directors chosen from its membership.
The current officers are: President – Steven H. Gans, New England Mobile Book Fair, Inc.; Vice President – Nancy M. Hanley, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc.; Treasurer – Patricia Randall, Matritech, Inc.; Assistant Treasurer – Louise Gessel, GE Capital Corporation; Clerk – Mike Podol, Pegasystems, Inc.; Assistant Clerk – James A. Brennan, Bridge Gap Strategic Services, LLC.
The directors include the above officers, and: Gerald Haines; Emily A. Maitin (The Nelson Companies, Ltd.); Peter E. Markman (Progress Software Corporation); Kenneth P. Reisman (The Law Offices of Kenneth P. Reisman); Dana St. James (3Com Corporation); Mark Thurber (Cool Dog Inc.); and Richard A. Winkler (NetScout Systems, Inc.).
Membership
Membership in NECCA is open to attorneys employed as in-house counsel or providing legal services to one or more companies (but not employed by, connected with, or a principal of, a law firm). Once a member, and as long as dues continue to be paid, one may continue his/her membership in NECCA even should his/her status as corporate counsel change.
Annual membership dues are $195. For more information about NECCA, please call the NECCA office at (617) 965-0003, or go to www.necca.com. For those who are eligible for membership and would like to attend a seminar and luncheon before deciding on the annual membership, you may make arrangements by calling the NECCA office or by sending an e-mail to [email protected].
Steven H. Gans is president of NECCA and is general counsel and chief operating officer of the New England Mobile Book Fair, Inc. in Newton, Mass.
