The historic John Adams Courthouse in Boston was the setting for a significant event today as Allison S. Cartwright was sworn in to the role of Clerk of Supreme Judicial Court for Suffolk County. Chief Justice Kimberly S. Budd was present to officiate the ceremony, where Cartwright, the second woman and the first black individual to hold the position since its establishment in 1693, took her oath of office before a gathering that included her son and prominent local figures, as reported by Mass.gov.
In an election held last November, the people of Suffolk County chose Cartwright to follow in the footsteps of Maura Sweeney Doyle, who retired on December 21, 2024, after serving for 28 years; Cartwright's extensive legal experience and former managerial roles painted her, in the eyes of many, as a prepared and suitable candidate for the task at hand, presiding over a Court responsible for managing the single justice caseload, bar admissions, appeals from registration boards and agencies, and overseeing administrative disciplinary matters. "For nearly three decades, we have been fortunate to have Maura Doyle serving in this position, and she has done so with professionalism, passion, and dedication," said Chief Justice Budd, adding, "Today, we are equally fortunate to have Allison Cartwright stepping into this role," as she expressed her enthusiastic anticipation for future collaboration, according to Mass.gov.
Retired Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Roderick L. Ireland graced the event as Master of Ceremonies, and the Pledge of Allegiance was proudly led by Cartwright’s son, adding a personal touch to the formal proceedings. Guests were also treated to a musical rendition of "America the Beautiful," as arranged by Ray Charles and performed by Meyer Chambers, director of the Archdiocese of Boston Black Catholic Choir. Among the speakers, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and State Sen. Lydia M. Edwards lent their voices, while Rev. Rahsaan Hall, Esq., of St. Paul AME Church in Cambridge, brought the ceremony to a close with a stirring Benediction.
The newly appointed Clerk brings a rich background to her role, with a career beginning at the Committee for Public Counsel Services and later as a Supervising Attorney for Suffolk Lawyers for Justice, Inc. She has demonstrated a commitment to both her profession and her community by mentoring attorneys and managing CPCS offices in Suffolk and Norfolk Counties, ultimately culminating in her management of the Central Region — a testament to her qualifications and preparedness for this prestigious position. Cartwright didn’t hesitate to share her enthusiasm for the role, saying, "I am excited and honored to have the privilege of serving as the next Clerk of the SJC for the County of Suffolk," with a profound recognition of the office's significance in ensuring the state's highest court remains a bastion of justice — accessible, equitable, and independent for all Massachusetts inhabitants, as noted by Mass.gov.
With degrees from the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Boston College Law School, Cartwright's educational background complements her professional experience in Massachusetts' legal system. As she takes on her new role, she focuses on advancing justice, with her position going beyond the ceremonial to drive progress and representation within the Commonwealth's judiciary.
