Product Description

This program offers a unique opportunity for new and experienced attorneys alike to learn how the tax lien foreclosure law works in Massachusetts, and the tools available to assist clients facing foreclosure. Hear about the Tax Lien Foreclosure Legal Assistance Referral Program recently established by the Land Court and Lawyers Clearinghouse, and the benefits of pro bono participation in that program.

The tax lien foreclosure process can result in severe economic consequences to landowners who fail to pay their real estate taxes or water/sewer bills. Even relatively small debts accrue interest and penalties that can quickly balloon to tens of thousands of dollars and can ultimately result in a “tax taking” and the filing of a Land Court case to permanently foreclose the taxpayer’s rights to pay the debt and redeem ownership of the subject property.

Experienced Land Court practitioners review the basics of the tax lien foreclosure process as well as the court procedures involved. The panelists offer practice tips and outline the various tools and options you can use to assist landowners to achieve favorable outcomes. You also learn how the Tax Lien Foreclosure Legal Assistance Referral Program works and the benefits of providing volunteer pro bono legal assistance through that program. You receive a carefully curated e-training package replete with forms and essential reference resources. 

Agenda & Materials

• 12:00 - 12:05 pm

  Welcome and Introduction

  Hon. Judith C. Cutler, Land Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Ret.) , Boston
  
• 12:05 - 12:20 pm

  Introduction

  • Brief overview of Tax Lien Foreclosure Law
  • The Problem Statement – why legal assistance matters in tax lien foreclosure cases

  Hon. Lauren Reznick, Land Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  
• 12:20 - 12:45 pm

  Procedures and Practice Tips

  • The lifecycle of a typical case – timelines, court filings, importance of initial client meetings
  • Typical interactions with the client, opposing counsel, and the court

  Nicholas Dorf, Esq., Dain, Torpy, Le Ray, Wiest & Garner, PC , Boston
  Kathleen M. Heyer, Esq., Pierce Atwood LLP , Boston
  
• 12:45 - 12:55 pm

  Q&A Session

  Panel
  
• 12:55 - 1:15 pm

  Municipal Perspectives

  • Achieving creative solutions
  • Importance of having pro bono legal assistance available for homeowners

  Peter A. Brown, Esq., Brown Legal PLLC , Boston
  
• 1:15 - 1:45 pm

  The TLFLA Referral Program

  • Description of Land Court/Lawyers Clearing House collaboration and the case referral process
  • The Volunteer Attorney experience - skills needed and used; typical time commitments; mentoring and support; benefits of volunteering

  Hon. Lauren Reznick, Land Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Boston
  Nicholas Dorf, Esq., Dain, Torpy, Le Ray, Wiest & Garner, PC , Boston
  Kathleen M. Heyer, Esq., Pierce Atwood LLP , Boston
  
• 1:45 - 2:00 pm

  "Ask the Experts" Q&A Session and Key Takeaways

  Panel
  

Please Note

MCLE webcasts are delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal. There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only. They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.

Chair

Faculty