Top: 2019-20 MBA President John J. Morrissey outlines his goals for the association year.
Middle (from left): Francis C. Morrissey, MBA President John J. Morrissey and Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Ralph D. Gants
Bottom: MBA President John J. Morrissey, his wife Katie, and their daughters Hannah, Chloe and Sophie.
Photos by Jeff Thiebauth.
On the night he was ceremonially sworn in as president of the Massachusetts Bar Association, John J. Morrissey announced his commitment to addressing issues of attorney wellness, along with a focus on data-driven decision-making to better serve members.
Speaking at a reception on Sept. 17 at the Boston Harbor Hotel, Morrissey said his agenda will complement efforts by the Supreme Judicial Court to enact recommendations made by the Steering Committee on Lawyer Well-Being. To assist in this ongoing endeavor during the 2019-20 year, Morrissey said the MBA will launch several initiatives designed to improve inclusion, civility and fellowship across the organization and the legal community.
“This must not be seen as a year-long project, but rather part of our data-driven decision-making process, where we maintain open lines of communication to gather information about the success or lack of success of diversity and inclusion efforts to allow us to continuously work towards improvement,” Morrissey said.
Morrissey also outlined how he plans on bringing a renewed emphasis to the personal benefits of membership, saying that networking events will be increasingly designed to build fellowship among lawyers within the MBA community. As a working attorney for 27 years, Morrisey said he has maintained his love for practicing law in part because of his active MBA involvement and many close friendships with fellow members. He now hopes to create a similar member experience for other attorneys during the 2019-20 year.
Following an introduction by his older brother and law partner, Francis C. Morrissey, Morrissey also paid special tribute to his wife and three daughters, as well as his father, who has recently battled serious illness. Morrissey said his father taught him the importance of public service and has been a supportive presence throughout his legal career, providing continued inspiration for his upcoming term as president.
“Let me end by saying, I am proud to be your president and, in the words of my father ... ‘How can I help?’”
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