Chief Justice Gordon H. Piper has been reappointed to the Massachusetts Land Court for his second term by Trial Court Chief Justice Jeffrey A. Locke, according to an announcement on October 5th, 2023. Appointed first in 2018, he has been serving the Land Court since 2002.
Piper’s previous term, as the Chief Justice have been marked by his robust response of to the COVID-19 pandemic. His achievements involve guiding the court system through unprecedented challenges, ensuring his reappointment starting October 29, 2023, was for a five-year term.
Piper's adaptive leadership was demonstrated through his integration of virtual processes to ensure the court's continued functioning during the pandemic crisis. He oversaw the modernization of the Land Court's proceedings and extended e-filing services dramatically. This widened court access for self-represented litigants and set up, a volunteer lawyers program to offer key intel to those facing property title loss, mitigating some of the pandemic's fallout.
Besides his tenure on the Land Court, Chief Justice Piper's extensive experience in practicing real estate and land use matters at Goodwin Procter LLP, helps to shape the court's focus. As a past president for the Massachusetts Conveyancers Association, now the Real Estate Bar Association, Piper employs his deep understanding of real estate litigation in his commitment for improving justice accessibility in property litigation.
Addressing his reappointment, Chief Justice Piper expressed his deep honor to serve a second term and highlighted the significance of this year as the 125th anniversary of the Land Court's inception. He emphasized on the court's crucial role in addressing real estate litigation and transaction needs.
In his upcoming term, Chief Justice Piper plans to work alongside the Massachusetts Trial Court, which oversees seven court departments and coordinates justice delivery across 94 courthouses in the state. His role will focus to carry on the innovative efforts already in place to enhance service provision for court attendees.
To further strengthen the Land Court, Trial Court Administrator Thomas G. Ambrosino announced his intention to reappoint Deputy Court Administrator Jill Ziter. The professional relationship between both leaders has been a source of effective, insightful approaches in handling real estate and land use cases across Massachusetts.
As Chief Justice Piper resumes his leadership with innovative initiatives and a commitment to enhancing justice accessibility, Massachusetts residents can trust in the Land Court's continued growth and improvement. With his reappointment underscoring public faith in the institution, there is ample room for additional modernization under Piper's leadership.
