Boston Bar Journal

By Christopher A. Lisy and Kayla M. LaRosa Digital (electronically-stored) information and evidence is more than an emerging trend – it is now ubiquitous. In fact, lawyers are ethically obligated to stay current on technology developments.

When Leah* first walked through the doors of the Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP), she was carrying more than anyone should have to bear. She was the primary caretaker for her young son with cognitive disabilities, her niece and nephew who had just lost their father, and her mother who had recently been diagnosed with dementia. On top of it all, she faced a legal system she didn’t understand and a guardianship process that threatened her son’s access to vital medication.

Boston Bar Association (BBA) President Suma V. Nair issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Justice’s indictment of former FBI Director James Comey after the President posted demands for Comey’s prosecution on social media, fired a career prosecutor who found insufficient evidence and declined to bring charges, and replaced him with another official who promptly complied.

The Boston Bar Association is pleased to welcome Barnes & Thornburg to its growing list of sponsor firms. With more than 800 lawyers in 23 offices nationwide, Barnes & Thornburg is one of the largest law firms in the United States, delivering sophisticated legal advice in all the practice areas required to do business in today’s marketplace.

In the heart of Massachusetts, where communities intersect and cultures converge, the MIRA Coalition stands as a beacon for immigrants and refugees seeking not just safety but belonging. Since 1987, MIRA has united over 150 member organizations spanning legal aid, education, social services, and advocacy under a single mission: to empower immigrants to fully participate in civic, economic, and cultural life.

Since its founding in 1941, Sullivan & Worcester LLP has built its reputation as a leading Boston law firm by pairing sophisticated legal counsel with a deep commitment to the community it serves. From its earliest days, the firm has viewed public service as central to its mission, ensuring that pro bono advocacy, community partnerships, and diversity initiatives are integral parts of its culture. A Strong Pro Bono Tradition Pro bono service is woven into the fabric of Sullivan & Worcester.

The Boston Bar Foundation (BBF) is thrilled to introduce its new leadership team for the 2025–2026 Program Year, with a dynamic slate of Officers and Trustees officially beginning their terms on September 1, 2025. These leaders bring not only their expertise and dedication to the profession, but also a powerful commitment to advancing the BBF’s mission of expanding access to justice, supporting public service, and strengthening the legal community across Greater Boston.

Liz Fries wears many hats at Sidley: Managing Partner of the Boston office, Global Practice Leader of the firm’s market-leading Investment Funds practice, and a member of the Executive Committee. But even with these leadership roles, she continues to maintain a thriving practice of her own.

After ten transformative weeks, the 2025 DEIB Summer Fellowship program has come to an end. More than just a stepping stone, the program offered these talented and driven law students both invaluable professional experience and the financial support to pursue it fully. In their own words below, they share what the fellowship meant to them—and the lessons they’ll carry forward as they continue their journeys in the legal profession.

By Matt McTygue, President, Boston Bar Association As my year as President of the Boston Bar Association draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on all that we have accomplished together and all that lies ahead for our legal community. It has been an honor to serve in this role, to represent an organization whose mission and members inspire me every single day, and to champion the values that make our profession indispensable to a just society.