Boston's bench is set to welcome three fresh faces, as Governor Maura T. Healey has put forward a trio of attorneys for the Probate and Family Court, a realm where familial disputes and the fragility of human relations come to the fore. Manisha Bhatt, Bernadette Stark, and Michelle Yee are the ones tapped for these critical judicial roles, with their fates now resting in the hands of the Governor’s Council.
"These three attorneys have all shown a profound commitment to helping families and children over the course of their careers," Healey said, underscoring the depth of expertise each nominee brings to the table. Known for their legal acumen and compassion, an equally important trait when families find themselves seeking justice, these candidates are poised to possibly join the court that grapples with life's most personal challenges. The Governor's Council now has to thoroughly vet them to decide if they will indeed serve among the justices.
Manisha Bhatt, with over two decades at Greater Boston Legal Services, has been a legal guardian for the underprivileged, particularly immigrants who often struggle to navigate the judicial maze. Her dedication to legal education through the "Know Your Rights" program has earned her accolades and respect alike. Bernadette Stark adds her wealth of experience in both probate and civil litigation. A symbol of resilience and hope, Stark climbed her way out of a New York neighborhood fraught with violence, channeling her upbringing into a career marked by a devotion to ensuring justice reaches every family in distress. Michelle Yee rounds out the trio with 18 years of experience in the Probate and Family Court systems, playing a pivotal role in modernizing court procedures with the Pathways Case Management Initiative.
Governor Healey's pick earlier this year for Suffolk Register of Probate, Stephanie L. Everett, sets the precedent for the governor's approach to family and probate court appointments—one focused on a blend of empathy and effectiveness. As for information about the Probate and Family Court, those interested can find further details on the court's homepage.
"Governor Healey and I are thrilled to submit these three attorneys for consideration to the Governor’s Council," Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll added to the voices of endorsement. Their confirmation could represent a significant bolster to a judicial body that strives to carefully balance the scales of justice for Massachusetts families in their most trying times. The progress of their nominations is a developing story, with the legal community and the public alike watching closely.
