The following is an April 2 statement from the Massachusetts Bar Association (MBA) on the appointment of MBA Past President Marsha V. Kazarosian, a partner at Kazarosian Costello LLP in Haverhill and current chair of the MBA’s Civil Rights & Social Justice Section, to the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission. Kazarosian was appointed by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, who by statute appoints an attorney nominated by the MBA’s Civil Rights & Social Justice Section Council. The POST Commission will create a mandatory certification process for police officers, as well as processes for decertification, suspension of certification, or reprimand in the event of certain misconduct.
MBA President Denise I. Murphy said: “Marsha Kazarosian remains one of the most respected leaders at the bar — when she speaks, people listen. Coupled with her expertise and trial success in the areas of civil rights and police misconduct, Marsha is an inspired selection to represent the bar on this inaugural POST Commission. As a tenacious advocate for her clients, she understands where the cracks are in our criminal justice system and knows firsthand the devastation wrought when there’s an absence of accountability. Marsha will bring a much-needed perspective as she works closely with POST Commission Chair Hon. Margaret R. Hinkle, law enforcement leaders and other professionals to achieve meaningful police reform and create a more effective model for law enforcement.”
MBA Chief Legal Counsel and Chief Operating Officer Martin W. Healy said: “Marsha Kazarosian’s appointment to the POST Commission is a natural extension of her many years of successful collaboration on state and federal efforts to promote equality and fairness in the justice system. I’ve benefited tremendously from Marsha’s advice and counsel at the MBA for many years and have no doubt that she will bring a strong voice to the table. We’re grateful to our legislative leaders and Governor Charlie Baker for giving the MBA a role on this groundbreaking commission. We look forward to our continued collaboration on this and other important issues affecting access to justice in the commonwealth.”