Membership Benefits MELANET MELANET our members-only on-line community, for contact with other Massachusetts employment lawyers and an instant connection with the MELA group. A forum for exchange, suggestions, and mentorship. Educational Programs Held regularly throughout the year on development in the lay and practice pointers. Meet judges and agency representatives. Learn from the experience, and benefit from the research, of other like-minded attorneys. Regional conferences are periodically held with other New England affiliates for a multi-state perspective. Share Your Knowledge Compare notes on judges, defense counsel, legal strategies, and technology. Don't reinvent the wheel. Exchange assessment on arbitrators, mediators and contractors. Trade briefs and jury instructions. Branch Out Our practice groups, such as MELA's Wage and Hour and ERISA committees, provide focused attention to these complex fields. Amicus Committee Our amicus committee is extremely active. It files briefs on cutting-edge issues in Massachusetts. Appellate Courts and the First Circuit. Work for a cause and institution you believe strongly in. Be Informed Stay up-to-date with developments in the legislature and in the agencies. Activism Mobilize fellow lawyers around important issues, assist others through amicus briefs and pro bono opportunities. Brainstorm in groups to identify ways to help workers Mentorship Work with others in important articles, presentations and briefs. Find co-counsel, or simply draw on the expertise of others. Earn recognition for your successes, and support for your challenges. Personal Development Bond with employment lawyers, celebrating success and learning form disappointments. Get to know others involved in this highly specialized area of the law. Obtain Access MELA is affiliated with the National Employment Lawyers Association, with its own very substantial set of resources, conferences and support, for subjects that are national in scope.