In three different CLE sessions, attorneys from Berman & Simmons will present at the 2025 Maine State Bar Association Summer Bar Conference, providing education on topics ranging from catastrophic workplace injuries, trauma-informed lawyering, and effective written advocacy. The conference runs June 25 – 27 in Bar Harbor.
Trial attorney Travis Brennan presents: “Catastrophic Workplace Injury Claims: The Intersection of Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation”
Workplace injuries can be devastating. In 2023, a worker died every 99 minutes from a job-related incident, with millions more suffering serious injuries. In Maine, the Department of Labor reports 18 to 20 occupational fatalities each year—each one a life forever changed, many of which could have and should have been avoided. This intersection of personal injury and workers’ compensation law brings a myriad of legal issues for injured workers and their families.
Attorney Travis Brennan will lead a panel discussion at the summer conference on the legal complexities that arise when tragedy strikes on the job, including navigating workers’ compensation immunity, evaluating third-party liability, and preserving evidence in the crucial early hours and days following an incident. Using real-world case examples and strategies to overcome litigation challenges, Travis will share how attorneys can better advocate for injured workers and their families, ensuring their rights are protected. Brennan will be presenting with Attorney Matthew Marett.
Trial attorney Tim Kenlan presents: “Universal Trauma Informed Law Practice Is Best Practice—Practical Tools That Boost Results, Increase Job Satisfaction, and Reduce Liability in a Swiftly Tilting World”
The essence of a trauma-informed practice is learning to recognize and respond to stress in real-time, allowing us to make informed decisions. Brain science explains how stress and trauma temporarily rewire our physiology, potentially impairing many of the skills useful to lawyers, including critical thinking, creativity, and curiosity. This can cause unintended fallout for everyone- attorneys, colleagues, clients, and others. Stress and trauma in the legal workplace can lead to decision-making with incomplete information, making incorrect assumptions, disengagement, and impulsive behavior.
To mitigate the fallout, attorney Tim Kenlan will discuss how lawyers can integrate universal trauma-informed precautions into their practice. These simple tools are easy to learn, applicable in every aspect of our work, and effective at relieving stress, enhancing clarity, and reducing burnout. Kenlan will be presenting with attorneys Andrew Kull and Julia Sheridan.
Research & Writing Attorney Charles King presents: “Persuasion is the Point: Effective Written Advocacy for the Modern Practitioner”
Attorney Charlie King understands judges and law clerks who read legal writings are busier than ever before, and their attention is at a premium.
In this CLE presentation, attorney King will cover modern trends in legal writing, which emphasize simplicity of language and precision of argument. The session is designed to make everyone—from recent law school graduates to experienced practitioners—a more effective written advocate. Topics will include common missteps, tips for simpler writing, technical practices, as well as formatting and common keyboard shortcuts.
As MSBA President, Attorney Susan Faunce notes that the event will continue to embrace a wellness theme to help refresh and inspire attorneys throughout Maine. In addition to a focus on national bar trends and wellness, the sessions will include topics on litigation strategies, ethics, family law, and real estate.