MCLE ThisWeek | S2 E8: Top 5 from the Bench: A Conversation with Judges Beverly Cannone and Catherine Ham

In this episode:

Host Bruce Richard sits down with Superior Court Judges Beverly Cannone and Catherine Ham for an engaging and positive discussion about trial practice from the judges’ perspective. Rather than focusing on common pitfalls, they highlight the five things attorneys do in the courtroom that they truly value.

With humor, candor, and decades of combined courtroom experience, Judges Cannone and Ham offer practical advice on:

• Why emotional intelligence and civility matter as much as legal knowledge
• The importance of honesty, candor, and building a reputation for integrity
• How preparation — especially for younger lawyers — sets the foundation for success
• The role of professionalism and formality in establishing credibility in court
• Respecting jurors’ time and maintaining focus on the client’s case

This conversation provides attorneys with concrete, real-world guidance to strengthen advocacy, build trust with judges, and enhance courtroom effectiveness.

Featured Guests:

Judge Beverly Cannone, Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Superior Court, longtime public defender, and veteran trial advocacy teacher at Harvard Law School and MCLE.

Judge Catherine Ham, Associate Justice of the Superior Court and former Assistant District Attorney in Suffolk County’s Homicide Unit, with years of trial experience in criminal and civil law.

Links and Resources:

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Important Note:
Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing high-quality, practical continuing legal education for the legal community. As part of its educational mission, MCLE presents a wide range of viewpoints and instructional content intended solely for educational purposes.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by individual participants in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of MCLE, its Board of Trustees, staff, or affiliated institutions. Inclusion of any material or commentary does not constitute an endorsement of any position on any issue by MCLE.