Massachusetts Gov. Deval L. Patrick has filed an executive order
naming the Massachusetts Bar Association to a commission charged
with studying the compensation of assistant district attorneys and
public defenders.
The state Legislature initially rejected the commission study
proposed by the governor in a FY 2015 budget amendment. However,
the governor utilized his executive powers to ensure the formation
of the commission with an executive order filed July 28.
The MBA's Blue Ribbon Commission on Criminal Justice Attorney
Compensation published a report earlier this year which
highlights the woeful compensation received by assistant district
attorneys, public defenders and bar advocates in Massachusetts
"We are grateful for the opportunity to continue our leadership
in this area and look forward to working with the governor and his
commission to find a solution that properly addresses this critical
public safety issue," said MBA Chief Legal Counsel and Chief
Operating Officer Martin W. Healy.