Photo Credit: Eric Haynes
Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Ralph D. Gants administers the presidential oath of office to Christopher A. Kenney, on Sept. 20.
Massachusetts Bar Association President Christopher A. Kenney laid out a vision of civic, professional and personal empowerment as he kicked off the 2018-19 membership year on Sept. 20 at the Harborside Salon in Boston.
Surrounded by more than 100 of his friends, family members and colleagues, Kenney dedicated his term to promoting the rights and duties of citizenship at a time when the American political climate has become increasingly tumultuous.
“It’s never been more important for everyone – from school children through senior citizens – to be aware of their rights and duties as citizens,” said Kenney, whose presidency will focus on the central theme of “education, empowerment and engagement.”
Outlining some of his specific objectives, Kenney said the MBA will help implement legislation mandating enhanced civics training in Massachusetts secondary schools, and provide tutoring services to Boston-area candidates for U.S. citizenship.
In the area of engagement, Kenney announced that the MBA will establish a Trial Academy to develop future litigators and improve access to legal representation at the district court level. He also pledged to fully support the efforts of Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers and the Massachusetts Law Office Management Assistance Program, both of which cater to the emotional needs of practicing attorneys.
During the initial portion of Kenney’s remarks, he expressed special gratitude to the members of his large Irish-Catholic family, including his wife and high-school sweetheart, Patty, along with their four children, Allison, Joe, Mike and Cal.
“My family is my source of strength. There are many branches on my family tree, and most of them are represented here today,” Kenney said.
Kenney’s swearing in as president followed an “opening statement” delivered by his longtime friend and associate, Michael P. Sams, co-founder of Kenney & Sams PC in Boston. Sams introduced his business partner as the consummate leader and winner, dating all the way back to Kenney’s football playing days at Lexington High School and the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester.
“Ben Franklin told us there were two certainties in life: death and taxes,” Sams said. “There are two other certainties that I know of, and those are that Chris Kenney will be a winner and a fantastic leader for the Massachusetts Bar Association.”
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