In a recent move within the Massachusetts judiciary, Governor Maura Healey has put forward the names of two seasoned lawyers for key court positions. Nominee Craig Mulcahey is expected to fill the role of Associate Justice of the District Court, while LaKeshia Parker Small has been nominated for Associate Justice of the Juvenile Court, as reported by the state's official website. These nominations are now pending review by the Governor's Council.
Highlighting the qualifications of both individuals, Governor Healey was quoted on the Massachusetts government, "Both Attorney Mulcahey and Attorney Parker Small have the experience and legal knowledge to excel on the bench here in Massachusetts, and if confirmed, I am confident they will serve with integrity, fairness and a commitment to protecting our communities." Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll shares this confidence, expressing her eagerness to collaborate with the council to propel these nominations forward.
The roles within the District Court are substantial, as this department addresses a wide span of cases, ranging from criminal, civil, and housing disputes to mental health and juvenile matters. The Court's criminal jurisdiction covers all felonies that see a potential maximum sentence of up to five years, among other specific felony charges, touching upon all misdemeanors and any violation of municipal rules. For civil cases, the jurisdiction is capped at damage claims not exceeding $50,000 and small claims that tally up to $7,000. Massachusetts hosts 62 District Court locations varying in size and focus.
On the other hand, the Juvenile Court holds an equally vital mission, striving to shelter children from harm, enhance family stability, and foster rehabilitation for juveniles, while ensuring public safety from delinquent behavior. This court has authority over a mixture of civil and criminal proceedings, including those concerning delinquencies, youthful offenders, and care and protection of minors. Its 42 judges preside in more than 40 courthouses across the state.
About the nominees: Craig Mulcahey's legal journey includes a solo practice established in 2010, putting his focus on defending criminal cases and civil litigation. With a track record of more than 70 cases tried to verdict, Mulcahey boasts extensive courtroom experience. His commitment has been demonstrated through his acceptance of court-appointed work as a Bar Advocate through Suffolk Lawyers for Justice since 2010.
Similarly, LaKeshia Parker Small has served in the Norfolk Juvenile Court as an Assistant Clerk Magistrate since 2024, where she manages probable cause hearings along with other judicial responsibilities. Her tenure at the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, where she represented the Commonwealth in child welfare cases, marks another chapter of her distinguished career.
