M A C D L
Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
December 2, 2014
Dear MACDL members and friends,
Please join us at MACDL’s Annual Winter Meeting on Wednesday, January 21st, 2015, 5:30–9:00 pm at the Newton Marriott Hotel, 2345 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton, MA. The program will include:
Keynote Speaker: Kemba Smith
Kemba Smith served more than six years of a twenty-four year sentence on federal drug charges after becoming involved with a drug dealer. President Clinton granted her clemency in December 2000. Her case drew support from across the country and the world to reverse the trend towards increasingly lengthy sentences for first-time non-violent drug offenders. Since her release, Kemba has become an advocate for sentencing reform and speaks nationwide on criminal justice issues from the perspective of a former defendant, client and inmate. She is the author of a memoir, Poster Child.
Gideon Award
We will be presenting the Gideon Award to Arnie Abelow, in recognition of his outstanding commitment to the principle that all persons shall stand equal before the law. Arnie has been practicing in Massachusetts courts since 1969, throughout the state, but primarily in Suffolk. Arnie’s commitment to representing indigent clients has previously been recognized when CPCS bestowed upon him the Dougan Award for zealous, effective representation. Arnie is renowned as well for his openness to offering sound advice, both legal and practical, to other defense counsel in need.
President’s Award
MACDL is presenting a President’s Award to Ed Ryan in recognition of his distinguished career as a criminal defense attorney and his strong and courageous commitment to zealous advocacy and an independent judiciary. Among Ed’s significant victories are the eventual dismissal of charges brought against his client in the Worcester Cold Storage case in which six Worcester firefighters lost their lives and the recent dismissal of charges following a successful motion to suppress a coerced “confession” in a murder case brought against a young mother following the unexplained death of her child.
Tickets, Tables, and Program Advertisements
Individual tickets and tables of ten can be purchased at www.macdl.com or by mailing in payment. See attached form for details. Unfortunately we have had to raise the price of tickets by ten dollars in an effort to break even or get close to breaking even on the dinner meeting.
We will again be producing a program booklet which will provide a forum for friends and colleagues to honor our awardees, Arnie Abelow and Ed Ryan, with congratulations and acknowledgments. We welcome firm and vendor advertisements as well. See the attached form for pricing details.
All ticket and advertisement proceeds go towards supporting MACDL’s many programs including its legislative efforts, CLE programs, amicus briefs, and strike force work. We thank you for your support and membership and look forward to seeing you at the Winter Meeting.
Sincerely,
Liza Lunt
President