Lawyers e-Journal
Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011
News from the courts
MBA praises SJC Associate Justice Fernande R.V. Duffly confirmation; Chief Justice Mulligan Names Dr. Ronald P. Corbett Jr. Commissioner of Probation
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MBA praises SJC Associate Justice
Fernande R.V. Duffly confirmation
The MBA celebrates Thursday's Governor's Council
confirmation of Fernande R.V. Duffly to serve as an associate
justice to the Supreme Judicial Court. The state has reached a
historic milestone by appointing its first Asian-American to the
state's highest court.
"The MBA is delighted to congratulate Justice Duffly on her
appointment to the SJC. Her detailed experience as a probate and
family court judge makes her well equipped to grapple with the
complex issues facing many families today, including custody and
support issues revolving around the changing nature of family
structures," said MBA President Denise Squillante, who operates a
family law practice in Fall River. "Justice Duffly's unique
experience is certain to add a new dimension to the makeup of the
state's highest court."
Prior to her appointment, Duffly was an associate justice with
the Appeals Court for more than a decade. Previously, she served as
an associate justice with the Massachusetts Probate & Family
Court for eight years. Born in Indonesia to a Chinese mother and
Dutch father, Duffly has committed to help increase the number of
minority lawyers, law firm partners and judges. She has also worked
hard to ensure minorities have adequate access to justice in the
court system.
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Chief Justice Mulligan Names Dr.
Ronald P. Corbett Jr.
Commissioner of Probation
Chief
Justice for Administration & Management Robert A. Mulligan has
appointed Ronald P. Corbett, Jr., Ed.D., to serve as the
Commissioner of Probation on an acting basis for two years.
Corbett, appointed on an interim basis in May, has instituted a
range of management reforms to increase the accountability and
transparency of the probation service.
Mulligan highlighted the importance of establishing stability in
the department in the short term given the recent turmoil. Under
recently-enacted legislation the position of Commissioner of
Probation now carries a five-year term. Mulligan expects to conduct
a full search at a point that is appropriate for the
organization.