The Supreme Judicial Court Justices have named Honorable Heidi E. Brieger as the new Chief Justice of the Trial Court, with her role commencing on December 22, according to an official announcement. Brieger assumes the role from Chief Justice Jeffrey A. Locke, set to retire in December under mandatory requirements.

Prior to her appointment, Brieger served as the Chief Justice of the Superior Court since June 2021. In her commendatory remarks, Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Kimberly S. Budd highlighted Brieger's understanding and care for the court system and underlined her collaborative leadership style. She is seen as an ideal partner for Court Administrator, Tom Ambrosino, in leading the Trial Court.

Brieger takes over from Locke, who made significant strides to improve access to justice, ensure fairness, and resolve the backlog accumulated due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brieger expressed her appreciation upon her appointment, reaffirming her commitment to upholding the justice legacy and to strive to deliver justice for the Commonwealth residents. She commented she is eager to work with Court Administrator, Ambrosino, recognizing the forthcoming opportunities and challenges.

Having served as the Regional Administrative Justice for Civil Business in Suffolk County and chairing the Superior Court Education Committee, Brieger's legal prowess is not in doubt. Her service in the Superior Court, which started in 2012, was attributed to an appointment by Governor Deval L. Patrick. Additionally, she served as the Chief of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force starting from 2006 and a prosecutor since 1992 in the Massachusetts U.S. Attorney’s Office. She is a graduate of Smith College and Boston College Law School.

Central in her obligations, as the Chief Justice of the Trial Court, she will oversee judicial policy matters, appointments of departmental chief justices, management of case flow, and the implementation of access-enhancing programs and procedures to all segments of the Commonwealth's population. In partnership with the Court Administrator, Tom Ambrosino, she will manage the affairs of the Trial Court, involving over 6,000 staff, 385 judges, and 94 courthouses.