I am so excited to join the team at NELF. We’ve had a great month, as you will read from the updates below. As with any new staff cohort coming in, you may see changes in the way we do things, from our direct mail to our newsletters, we are working hard to make sure you see all the value in your support for the New England Legal Foundation. I look forward to getting to know our community as more events are scheduled through the remainder of the year. Support from our foundation funders, corporate sponsors, and individual givers are what allows us to galvanize the legal community and business community on important issues of free enterprise solutions and work toward greater impact on realizing an inclusive economy.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, thoughts or ideas regarding foundation and corporate sponsorships as well as individual contributions at TDeSisto@NewEnglandLegal.org. If you are ready to make a gift, please head to our Donate page on our website. I am eager to understand who our most enthusiastic supporters are. As I get to know this community, I want to make sure we are leveraging every opportunity to grow an already well-respected organization and that means calling on you to work alongside me. Don’t worry. We’ll make it fun! Be well and be free.
Tara DeSisto Development Director |
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Register for one of our upcoming events, including a live recording of NELF's flagship show "Sidebar with Judge Dan Winslow" and the upcoming New England GC Roundtable. |
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The New England GC Roundtable is an opportunity for GCs and CLOs exclusively to come together to network, form new connections, and discuss challenges and complexities of this unique role.
Those wishing to be considered for sponsorship of or participation in an upcoming dinner may submit their details for consideration to eminer@newenglandlegal.org |
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Tuesday, June 11, 2024; 4:00--5:00 PM with cocktail reception following. 333 Washington Street, Suite 850, Boston, MA 02108
Imagine being wrongly accused, charged and tried for a crime you didn't commit. Imagine being exonerated after a lengthy process but your property in question is seized without notice even after you've been found 'not guilty'.
In the case of "Varsity Blues", John Wilson and his family were caught up and grouped with other cases that looked like his, except for the actual facts.
Join a live studio audience as Judge Winslow, the President of NELF, interviews John Wilson about his experience and hear from staff attorney Karen Pickett who wrote NELF's amicus brief in support of the return of property. Additionally, author and lawyer Harvey Silverglate, who has written extensively on this case and similar topics will join what is sure to be a riveting conversation. |
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SAVE THE DATE: NELF's 10th Annual John G.L. Cabot Gala |
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The John G.L. Cabot Award Dinner is NELF's largest fundraiser of the year and will be held at the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
For information on tables and sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
Emmy Whitney Gala Coordinator 617-633-1862
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The John G.L. Cabot Award is presented annually to those whose work reflects a steadfast commitment to rule of law, free enterprise, inclusive growth, and the advancement of principles that support these ideals in our society.
The Award is named for John G. L. Cabot, in recognition of his long and distinguished support of the New England Legal Foundation (NELF), service as a member of NELF's board of directors from 1978-1994, and his continued support as Trustee.
This year, for our 10th anniversary of this prestigious award, NELF is recognizing two outstanding leaders in their fields.
The 10th Anniversary Year Honorees are: |
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Regina Jones Senior Vice President General Counsel and Secretary Archer-Daniels-Midland
Regina Jones is senior vice president, general counsel and secretary of ADM and a member of the company's Executive Council. In this role, Jones oversees ADM's global legal and regulatory affairs, compliance initiatives, security operations and government relations efforts. |
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Grace Lee EVP Regional President Eastern MA M&T Bank
Grace Lee is the Regional President for Eastern MA for M&T and is a demonstrated leader with over 35 years of experience in the public and private sector. Throughout her career she has had a deep commitment to social justice and equity advocating for underrepresented groups. Prior to joining M&T Bank, Lee was with the law firm of Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC where she served as the Vice Chair of the Public Finance Group. |
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NELF challenges actions by governments and private litigants which would unreasonably intrude on the economic freedoms of individuals and business enterprises in New England and the nation.
NELF has continued our aggressive advocacy for economic liberty with new case filings in the following actions: |
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NELF Files Amicus Brief Supporting Defendant-Appellee in Car Insurance Sector
Cubberley & another v. Commerce Insurance Co. Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
In this case, the issue to be decided is whether the 2016 Massachusetts auto insurance policy approved by the Commissioner of Insurance excludes coverage for the “inherent diminished value” (IDV) of a third party’s vehicle caused by an accident with the insured’s vehicle, and, if so, whether such an exclusion is allowed by Massachusetts insurance law. The plaintiffs argued they were entitled to IDV coverage; however, the Superior Court dismissed their complaint, concluding that the auto policy excluded any such coverage.
In its amicus brief in support of the defendant, Commerce Insurance Company, NELF argues that the policy’s clear distinction between “tangible property” damage and any resulting “decreased value or intangible loss” to the property is coextensive with the Court’s definition of “property damage,” which includes both tangible and intangible damage. Furthermore, NELF contends that the IDV is covered by the policy’s explicit exclusion of “any decreased value or intangible loss. |
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New England Legal Foundation Urges SEC Not to Suppress Predictive Data Analytics in Investments
The New England Legal Foundation submitted a comment letter urging the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission against proposed regulations that aim to suppress the use of predictive data analytics by broker-dealers and investment advisers. NELF’s comment was researched and drafted by Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, and outlines four reasons why the proposed PDA Rule is unlawful and beyond the power of the SEC. |
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NELF Welcomes Two New Advisors to Equalizer Institute
NELF is proud to welcome two new advisors to the Equalizer Institute, its social economic justice initiative set to launch in January 2025.
Pedro Arce is a Senior Vice President at M&T Bank, where he encourages and promotes partnerships that help small businesses grow. M&T was named SBA Minority Lender of the Year in 2023.
Michael Brown, Principal at Public Purpose Strategies and Co-Founder of City Year, is one of the nation’s leading social entrepreneurs.
Once launched, the Equalizer Institute will provide free corporate legal services to help underserved entrepreneurs start their businesses. |
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Massachusetts Advisory Council - New Appointments:
NELF has appointed Tom Greene, Partner at The Wagner Law Group; and Doug Troyer, Partner at Pierce Atwood LLP, to its Massachusetts Advisory Council.
NELF Advisory Councils play a crucial role in shaping the Foundation’s stances on public policy issues affecting the innovation economy and free enterprise, as well as hosting informative and timely speakers at locations across each member state. |
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NELF’s Equalizer Institute Forges New Partnerships with Referring Organizations |
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NELF President Dan Winslow (left) and Director of Development Tara DeSisto (right) are pictured here with Fahteema Parrish, BS, MA ITMgt, ENV SP, President of Parrish & Sons Construction Co and Director of AZCJ Foundation. |
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Last week, NELF President Dan Winslow and NELF Director of Development Tara DeSisto, traveled to Chicago to attend Interise’s 20th annual conference, “Solve It 2024: Creating an Inclusive Economy.” Interise is a Boston-based non profit that works with partner organizations across the nation to accelerate the growth of businesses owned by people of color. Their work involves providing budding entrepreneurs with business education and professional training, mentorship opportunities and related support. Further, their annual conference brings business and community leaders together to uplift efforts to create an economy that truly works for everyone.
NELF was pleased to be there this year to network, promote the Equalizer Institute, and our emerging partnership with Interise. Slated to launch in January of 2025, NELF’s Equalizer Institute will provide free legal services to support under resourced individuals in launching new small businesses. NELF is grateful that Interise has agreed to serve as a referral partner for the Equalizer Institute; in doing so, Interise will play an important role in helping NELF identify candidates well positioned to leverage legal counsel or services to start their own small business.
“This is one of many partnerships we are creating to ensure that we have a wide network to reach into underserved communities to expand the impact of the Equalizer Institute,” said NELF President Dan Winslow. “My thanks to Tara DeSisto for initiating this partnership and for her ongoing work to introduce the Equalizer Institute to philanthropies interested in promoting an inclusive economy.”
“We have met half of our fundraising goal to launch this project! Legal services are a major gap to close towards an inclusive economy. This is great work we are doing and its exciting to talk to potential funders about how amazing the Equalizer Institute will be for those who are working their way toward building long term stability and success for themselves, their families, and the communities they serve.” Tara said.
For more information about the Equalizer Institute and how you can support this important work, please reach out to tdesisto@newenglandlegal.org. |
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May saw several virtual meetings with our state advisory councils to update them on the work we are doing and to learn what is going on in their region.
Closer to Headquarters we held two in-person events. On May 8, The Supreme Court Crystal Ball at the Old South Meeting House, sponsored by Weil, was a hybrid event that saw over 100 attendees take part in the review and predictions by our esteemed panel of constitutional experts Jeremy Christiansen of Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, Zack Tripp of Weil, Felicia Ellsworth of WilmerHale, Edwina Clarke of Goodwin and moderated by Akil Amar, Sterling Professor at Yale University.
Exceptional weather greeted our May 9 Cocktails & Jazz event. It was an wonderful evening of connecting Boston's legal community with our growing roster of NELF staffers, advisors, and community.
If you are looking for more information or are interested in sponsoring an event, please contact Elizabeth Miner at eminer@newenglandlegal.org or at 781-526-7714. |
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| Supreme Court Crystal Ball |
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Pictured from left: Jeremy Christiansen, Gibson Dunn; Zack Tripp, Weil; Felicia Ellsworth, WilmerHale; Edwina Clarke, Goodwin Procter; Akhil Reed Amar, Yale University; and Dan Winslow, NELF. |
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NELF President Dan Winslow (left) and NELF Senior Staff Attorney Ben Robbins (right). |
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| Cocktails & Jazz at Sip Cafe |
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Pictured from left: Stephanie Siegmann, Hinckley Allen; Jennifer Koiles Pratt, Koiles Pratt Family Law Group; Dan Winslow, NELF; Melissa Sherwood, Panakio Adjusters; and Deb Curran, Magna Legal Services. |
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Pictured from left: Paul Dacier, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP; Dan Winslow, NELF; and John Hanify, Middlesex Mediation, LLC. |
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The New England Legal Foundation applauded a federal court ruling to return $1 million to an individual who was not formally notified of the government’s intention to seize property. NELF had filed an amicus brief in the case urging federal protection of individual property rights. “This ruling will help reset the playing field between the federal government and individual citizens by confirming that forfeitures require formal notice before property can be seized,” said NELF President Dan Winslow. “Property rights are civil rights under our Constitution and the New England Legal Foundation was proud to stand up for the rights of the individual property owner.”
“Town meetings can set an example for Congress by applying the oil that lubricates the engine of democracy: civility,” writes NELF President, Dan Winslow, for the Telegram & Gazette. "In the heat of debate at town meeting, citizens should embrace the value of kindness. Civility obligates kindness in a literal sense, as the word ‘kind’ derives from the same root as ‘kin’ for ‘family.’ Being kind is literally about treating a stranger — especially one with whom you disagree — with the same benevolence you would offer a member of your family. That’s tip No. 1." |
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May the 4th be with you. #NELF is becoming a "force to be reckoned with against the dark side of unreasonable intrusion on the economic freedoms of individuals and business enterprises in New England." |
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NELF is proud to welcome Commvault as a new sponsor of our mission to address policy and constitutional concerns related to free enterprise. |
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Thank you for being a faithful reader of our NELF News newsletter. NELF is the leading non-profit, non-partisan public interest law firm in the region dedicated to addressing policy and constitutional concerns related to free enterprise. Our mission is supported by the tax-deductible generosity of our members and supporters. There are many ways to donate. |
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