In an announcement made by Trial Court Chief Justice Heidi E. Brieger, Judge Brian J. Dunn has been appointed as the new Chief Justice of the Probate and Family Court, a position set to take effect on July 7. He will step into the role following the retirement of Chief Justice John D. Casey, who has served on the bench for almost two decades and is set to retire on July 6, as reported by Mass.gov.
Chief Justice Brieger spoke highly of Judge Dunn's extensive experience and leadership, specifically highlighting his eight-year tenure leading the Probate and Family Court in Suffolk County, his dedication to court efficiency and modernization initiatives, and his mentorship within the judicial community, Judge Dunn, who started off as a solo practitioner specializing in civil litigation, juvenile law, child custody, and mental health proceedings in 1992 has risen through the ranks over the past years, his path from an attorney with a keen focus on the intersections of law and society to the esteemed office of Chief Justice is a testament to his commitment to justice. In addition to his role in Suffolk County, Judge Dunn has taken on critical duties across various committees, exemplifying a career steeped in the pursuit of a fair and efficient legal system for all.
Expressing gratitude and humility, Judge Dunn stated on Mass.gov, "I am honored to be appointed as the next Chief Justice of the Probate & Family Court," signaling his readiness to uphold the mantle of leadership in the state's system, with trust placed in him by his peers and both Chief Justice Brieger and Court Administrator Thomas Ambrosino. He will continue the trajectory of innovation set by his predecessor Chief Justice Casey, who is credited for expanding virtual services and procedures and introducing the transformative Pathways Case Management System and the Case Conferencing Program.
Judge Dunn's ascending to this role coincides with the reappointment of Domenic DiCenso as Deputy Court Administrator for the Probate and Family Court, a decision made in conjunction with Trial Court Administrator Thomas G. Ambrosino, the Massachusetts Trial Court system comprises seven departments, including a total of 393 judges delivering justice across 94 courthouses, Judge Dunn's tenure will see him grappling with a vast and complex judicial landscape, an undertaking not just emblematic of the faith instilled in him by his peers but a mirror reflecting the innumerable tales that will come to mark his reign at the helm.
