Nominations, comments sought for appointment of new Superior Court
chief justice
Massachusetts Trial Court Chief Justice Paula M. Carey is seeking nominations, including self-nomination, for the position of chief justice of the Superior Court Department, from which Hon. Judith Fabricant will retire on July 6. Pursuant to G.L. c. 211B, § 5, the chief justice of the Trial Court is authorized to appoint a successor chief justice from among the justices appointed to the Superior Court, for a five-year term.
In furtherance of the selection process, Carey is soliciting comments from judges, court employees, attorneys and other interested persons on the condition and operations of the Superior Court Department, its priorities and accomplishments, the future goals and direction of the court, and the role of the chief justice in leading the court in the future.
All correspondence should be sent to Carey's attention at the John Adams Courthouse, One Pemberton Square, 1M, Boston, MA 02108, or emailed to cjappt@jud.state.ma.us, by Friday, May 28.
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Support legal aid by banking at IOLTA Leadership Banks
The Fed Fund Rates remains at near zero. This translates into far fewer IOLTA funds, and thus far fewer low-income Massachusetts citizens receiving help with their civil legal problems. This is happening at a time when the demand for legal assistance with issues like foreclosure, eviction, domestic violence, public benefits and unemployment is reaching astronomical proportions.
The only thing that prevents the dramatic drop in IOLTA interest rates from completely decimating legal aid is the agreement by a group of banks to keep their IOLTA rates at 1%, even as the Federal Funds rate falls to unprecedented lows. These IOLTA Leadership Banks include banks, like Brookline Bank, Bristol County Savings Bank, The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod, North Cambridge Cooperative Bank, and the Institution for Savings in Newburyport, as well as a number of smaller community banks. For a complete list of 1% banks, visit www.maiolta.org.
These banks have a long history of supporting IOLTA and legal services in Massachusetts. By banking at one of these institutions, you help to bolster civil legal aid programs and contribute to keeping the promise of justice for all. Be sure to let your banker know you appreciate their commitment to serving their communities. If your bank is not on the list, encourage them to join. Or, consider moving your accounts to a Leadership Bank. For more information about IOLTA or the Leadership Bank program, visit www.maiolta.org or contact Steve Casey or Jayne Tyrrell at 617-723-9093.
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Satellite office for Hampden County Register
of Deeds reopens
The Hampden County Registry of Deeds has resumed operations at its satellite location at Westfield City Hall, 59 Court St., and is open Monday through Friday, from noon to 4 p.m.
This Registry location is limited to one customer at a time. To assist in the coordination of recording, citizens are strongly encouraged to contact the main office at (413) 755-1722 and ask for the Westfield office.
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Applications available for First Circuit CJA Panel
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit is accepting applications to serve on the court's Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Panel, including: (1) applications from attorneys not currently on the panel; and (2) reapplications from panel members whose terms expire on Sept. 30, 2021.
Instructions and application forms may be downloaded from the court's website at www.ca1.uscourts.gov under the "CJA Materials" tab. They may also be obtained from the Clerk of Court, John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse, One Courthouse Way, Suite 2500, Boston, MA 02210. Three paper copies of the completed form and attachments should be mailed to the clerk and must be received no later than June 11 at 5 p.m.
For additional information, contact Zuleen Nova at (617) 748-9380 or CJA Coordinator Kaitlin Copson at (617) 748-9066.
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