Legal Judg(e)ments Podcast

Bernkopf achieved a significant victory for client Salpi Monteiro in the Badrikian v. Monteiro case, a complex, multi-year breach of fiduciary duty trial. The Bernkopf team, led by Robert Stetson with support from Dan Lampke, developed a strategic defense that led to a resounding jury verdict in favor of our client, clearing Ms. Monteiro after a seven-year legal battle. This case showcased many advantages to having a jury trial. Juries bring diverse perspectives that help in evaluating credibility and applying legal principles. The decision in this case was delivered after only two hours of deliberation, demonstrating how a jury can efficiently assess challenging issues and deliver a fair judgment. Facing a legal challenge? Bernkopf’s #litigation attorneys bring unparalleled experience and personalized attention to every case, securing successful outcomes for clients. Read the full client alert: https://lnkd.in/edfERSvq #FiduciaryLitigation #ClientSuccess #JuryTrial #BernkopfLegal

Bernkopf attorney Robert Stetson achieved a significant victory for a client in a recent Massachusetts Appeals Court ruling. The court affirmed a lower court decision, validating our client's rightful inheritance and her late husband’s final wishes. This ruling clarifies the legal standards for challenging testamentary capacity in Massachusetts. It underscores the court's requirement for substantial and credible evidence to overturn a testator's mental competence. Beyond the legal victory, this case is a powerful reminder: meticulous estate planning is crucial. Ensure your documents are unambiguous and meticulously documented to protect your legacy and loved ones. Contact us today to review your estate plan. Read the full client alert here: https://lnkd.in/e7PVpxMp #EstatePlanning #ClientSuccess #MassachusettsLaw #BernkopfLegal

The Massachusetts housing crisis has reached a boiling point. With skyrocketing home prices and dwindling opportunities for young families, the state enacted the MBTA Communities Act, requiring municipalities to create multifamily housing districts. But what happens when a town refuses to comply? In this episode of Legal Judg(e)ments, host Robert Stetson sits down with Kevin Martin of Goodwin to dissect the landmark legal battle between the town of Milton and the Massachusetts Attorney General. Milton challenged the state’s zoning mandates—and won. But the headlines told a different story. Listen as Kevin breaks down the legal strategies, public perception, and what comes next for housing policy in the Commonwealth. ? Listen here: https://lnkd.in/eUhVvmVx #LegalJudgments #Podcast #HousingCrisis #ZoningLaws #MBTACommunitiesAct #HomeRule

Have you ever wondered who gets to keep the engagement ring when a wedding is called off? Tune in to the latest episode of Legal Judg(e)ments as host Robert Stetson and trial lawyer Stephanie Taverna Siden explore the landmark ruling of Johnson v. Settino and its impact on the future of engagement ring disputes. From the history of #heartbalmlawsuits to how this decision aligns the law with modern divorce standards, Bob and Stephanie unpack the ruling made by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court that strikes down the fault-based standard. Listen now: https://lnkd.in/ePmnBnFH #LegalPodcast #Litigation?

Who gets the engagement ring when the wedding is off? The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court just issued a game-changing ruling in Johnson v. Settino, striking down the fault-based standard in engagement ring disputes. In the latest episode of Legal Judg(e)ments, host Robert Stetson sits down with trial lawyer Stephanie Taverna Siden to discuss the legal evolution of engagement rings, the history of heartbalm lawsuits, and why this decision brings the law in line with modern divorce standards. Download today wherever you get your podcasts. https://lnkd.in/ePmnBnFH

Two years after the iconic #defamation case of Depp v. Heard, another case, this time between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, is taking the media by storm. The first hearing was held this week, and it didn’t take long for the judge to step in. The court ordered both attorneys to comply with a federal court rule barring lawyers from making statements that could prejudice the case. The judge threatened to move up the trial, which is currently scheduled for March 2026, if they do not adhere to the rules. The celebrity status of Lively and Baldoni has made this a trending topic in the news and across social media platforms. Similar to Depp v. Heard, a serious question has been raised about how the media will shape perceptions throughout this lawsuit and impact the reputations of Lively and Baldoni. Many are also wondering how the precedents set in the Depp v. Heard legal battle might impact both the trial and reputations of those involved in this high-profile litigation. For relevant insights on these potential implications, tune in to Season 2, Episode 3, “On Depp and Dignity”, of Legal Judg(e)ments, where host Robert Stetson speaks with Johnny Depp’s attorney, Wayne Dennison. This episode explores the first “Trial by TikTok”, and Bob and Wayne discuss similar questions about the profound impact of the media on the reputations of both Johnny and Amber: https://lnkd.in/eubN2YBm? #Litigation #LegalPodcast

Bernkopf’s impressive win in the case of McCarthy v. Young was featured in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. Lead partner Robert Stetson successfully represented our clients in this challenging legal battle, where the Appeals Court ruled that an offer to purchase was unenforceable because it excluded significant material terms. Bob discusses the importance of this ruling, stating it serves as a “well-reasoned, authoritative reminder” that offers to purchase real estate must include all essential terms to be legally binding. “The law in this area is not new, but the clarity this decision provides, especially in the context of the most-used offer form in the industry, will provide valuable guidance for buyers, sellers, brokers and lawyers for years to come.” Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ePQZcyQN #Litigation #MassachusettsRealEstate #BernkopfLegal?

A new episode of Legal Judg(e)ments is out and host Robert Stetson sits down with Andrew Dennington, a seasoned trial lawyer and partner at Conn Kavanaugh, to explore the landmark Massachusetts case Business Interiors vs. Graycor Construction. The case centers on the Prompt Pay Act, a law designed to ensure timely payments for contractors and subcontractors in large construction projects. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. https://lnkd.in/eDdjMAFP #promptpayact #contractors #massachusettsbuilders?

This week, Bernkopf obtained a big victory in the Massachusetts Appeals Court, where partner Robert Stetson successfully represented our clients in the case of McCarthy v. Young. The Appeals Court overturned a land court decision, ruling that an offer to purchase was unenforceable because it excluded significant material terms. The case serves as a reminder to all #realestate professionals that all terms must be clearly defined to be enforceable and to involve lawyers at the earliest stage possible. Read the full alert: https://lnkd.in/gpEExB59 #Litigation #MassachusettsLaw #BernkopfLegal?

Can universities protect academic freedom while balancing budgetary restrictions and economic realities? In the latest episode of Legal Judg(e)ments, host Robert Stetson is joined by Kevin T. Peters, Senior Partner at Fox Rothschild, to break down the Wortis v. Trustees of Tufts College case where Kevin represents a group of Tufts professors challenging the university’s compensation and lab policies. Tune in to Season 4, Episode 4, “Tenure on Trial”, to explore how this influential case will impact the future of #highereducation. https://lnkd.in/dXAez-7J #AcademicFreedom #Tenure #LegalPodcast