In a significant move to bolster the judicial system in Massachusetts, Governor Maura Healey has put forward the names of Judge Emily Karstetter and Attorney Thomas Townsend for the roles of Associate Justices of the Superior Court. Their nominations, according to an announcement made on the official website, are subject to the approval of the Governor's Council. As key figures in the state's legal landscape, both nominees carry reputations for their commitment to public service and their adherence to the rule of law, according to the Office of the Governor.
"Both of these nominees have dedicated their legal careers to serving the people of Massachusetts," Healey stated, signaling her trust in their abilities to judiciously guide the court. The Superior Court, a trial court with general jurisdiction, is central to the state's judiciary, handling cases ranging from civil actions, labor disputes, criminal matters to naturalization sittings. Working to deliver justice fairly and promptly, the Court's docket reflects a variety of legal challenges across the Commonwealth's 14 counties. Governor Healey, as part of this ongoing effort, has nominated a number of esteemed judges to this court as indicated by the Office of the Governor news release.
A brief overview of the nominees reveals their extensive experience. Judge Karstetter, who took on her role in the District Court in 2012, became First Justice of the Malden District Court six years later and has since been presiding over the Northern District of the Appellate Division of the District Court since 2023. She holds a philosophy degree from Wellesley College and a law degree from New England School of Law. Attorney Townsend brings to the table nearly three decades of legal experience, including a tenure as Chief of the Appellate Division of the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, which enables him to adeptly navigate the appellate process, having argued numerous times in the Supreme Judicial Court, as reported by the Office of the Governor.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll expressed enthusiasm over advancing the nominations, underscoring the nominees' vast courtroom experience. Townsend's credentials include a prolific docket, with over 250 Appeals Court cases and 46 appearances before the Supreme Judicial Court. Both nominees have contributed to the legal community beyond the courtroom, with Karstetter mentoring new judges and Townsend sharing his expertise through legal education and academia. The Superior Court carries the responsibility of not only addressing high-stakes civil and criminal matters but also touching the lives of Massachusetts' residents in profound ways, as per the Office of the Governor.
