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Bacon Wilson hosts Legal Living Room, a free series of Web Discussions

In light of the COVID-19 health crisis, the law firm of Bacon Wilson hosted Legal Living Room, a free series of web discussions, allowing attorneys to communicate directly with the public about important legal topics. Starting with a kickoff event on April 14, the firm held weekly conversations through June 2, on the topics of estate planning, employment, family law, real estate, long-term care, landlord/tenant matters, and bankruptcy. The discussions were lively and interactive, with attorneys answering questions from participants and customizing program content on the spot according to audience preference. Bacon Wilson hosted the series on the Zoom platform, allowing participants to join in from the safety and comfort of home. The presentations were well-received and the firm intends to expand on the series with future sessions.

April 14 – Estate Planning

Attorneys Hyman Darling, Gina Barry, Benjamin Coyle, Todd Ratner, Lisa Halbert, outline the essential elements of a successful estate plan and answer questions, including discussing how documents can be signed while maintaining safe social distancing, considerations when nominating guardians for minor children, and much more.

April 21 – Employment

Attorney Kathryn Crouss address employment topics including employee rights and employer responsibilities under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), elements of the CARES Act relevant to employment considerations, severance agreements, Massachusetts and federal expanded unemployment benefits, aid for small businesses, and the Payroll Protection Plan (PPP).

April 23 – Estate Planning Encore

Attorneys Hyman Darling, Gina Barry, Benjamin Coyle, Todd Ratner, Lisa Halbert, offer an encore estate planning presentation. The firm added this additional session due to high interest and participation in the Legal Living Room kickoff event on April 14.

April 28 – Family Law

Attorneys Julie Dialessi-Lafley and Melissa Gillis present family law topics including issues of custody and parenting time, family court actions, divorce, mediation, and child support and alimony modification.

May 12 – Long-Term Care Planning

Attorneys Hyman Darling, Gina Barry, Benjamin Coyle, Todd Ratner, Lisa Halbert, review essential topics relative to planning for nursing care, including Medicare, long-term care insurance, asset protection, and an overview of the regulations and qualification process for Medicaid/MassHealth.

May 19 – Bankruptcy

Attorneys Michael Katz and Rebecca Mercieri Rivaux present bankruptcy topics including financial options for both businesses and individuals, Chapter 7, Chapter 11, Chapter 13, and options outside bankruptcy.

June 1 – Landlord/Tenant

Attorneys Jonathan Breton and Ryan O’Hara discuss the duties and obligations between residential renters and property owners, including lease agreements and tenancies; security deposits/last month’s rent; maintenance/condition of the property; past-due rent; evictions and other court actions, and tenancy issues during COVID-19.