A Message from REBA President Tom Moriarty

Last April, we received an adverse ruling in Federal District Court in our fight against out-of-state non-lawyer settlement services providers. REBA appealed that decision and the subsequent fee order to the First Circuit Court of Appeals. We also requested that the First Circuit certify to our Supreme Judicial Court the core question of whether conveyancing is, in fact, the practice of law. That request remains pending.

Last week we filed our principal brief in the First Circuit. A copy of the brief is available on REBA’s website. Click here for a link to the brief.

We believe that the errors in the District Court’s rulings in the case are fully exposed in REBA’s brief. We remain confident that our arguments will support a reversal of the Federal District Court’s orders.

Both the Massachusetts and Boston Bar Associations joined our effort in the appeal. The MBA (Click here for a link to the brief) and the BBA (Click here for a link to the brief) each filed an exemplary amicus brief arguing that the Federal District Court’s decision is in error. We are very grateful to both organizations, to their leadership and to the authors of the respective briefs for their support and hard work. I urge you to read both briefs which are also available on REBA’s website.

With your continuing support, and the tireless efforts of many committed members, REBA will remain a potent force in the Commonwealth in the battle against the unauthorized practice of law.

Do your part by sending in your membership renewal and let all concerned take notice that REBA and its members remain dedicated to this endeavor and continue to speak with one voice.