Boston's bench is about to get some new faces after Governor Maura T. Healey tapped four legal eagles for associate justice spots on the Probate and Family Court. Jessica Dubin, Alexandra Flanders, Mikalen Howe, and Carla Salvucci are the chosen few, awaiting the green light from the Governor's Council, according to an announcement from the Governor's office.
Healey is bullish on her picks for the court that deals with some of the most sensitive areas of the law, including divorce and child custody, saying, "The Probate and Family Court plays an essential role in providing justice for families across the state, and I’m confident that these distinguished attorneys will make strong additions to the bench," as stated by the Governor's office press release. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll chimed in too, praising the nominees' talent and experience, and stumped for their swift confirmation.
The Probate and Family Court's mission is no small feat, focusing on delivering timely justice, ensuring equal access to a fair and efficient system for all comers. It's part of the Commonwealth's judicial branch that delves into those crucial moments of life – the formation and dissolution of relationships, the care of children, and the passage of legacies.
This quartet of nominees comes with their own unique backgrounds and legal chops. Dubin, a partner at Lee & Rivers LLP, comes decorated with honors for her pro bono work and Flanders boasts experience that ranges from running a solo practice to establishing Massachusetts' first family treatment court. Over in Bristol County, Howe's been keeping order as an assistant judicial case manager, and Salvucci's the top dog at her own law firm dedicated to family law matters.
They join a string of Healey's recent judicial appointments that include Manisha Bhatt, Bernadette Stark, and Michelle Yee as associate justices, as well as Stephanie L. Everett and Mark Ames taking on registrar roles.
