Piper reappointed chief justice
of the Land Court
Trial Court Chief Justice Jeffrey A. Locke today announced the reappointment of Judge Gordon H. Piper as chief justice of the Land Court for a five-year term commencing Oct. 29, in accordance with G.L. c. 211B, § 5.
“Chief Justice Piper guided the Land Court through the many challenges presented by the COVID pandemic, as the court improved and modernized operations,” said Locke. “He embraced technology to permit virtual hearings and even trials. Under his leadership, the court dramatically expanded the use of e-filing, increased access to the court for self-represented litigants, and created a volunteer lawyers program to provide critical information to those at risk of losing title to their property.”
Piper has served on the Land Court since 2002. He was first appointed to the role of chief justice of the Land Court on Oct. 29, 2018, by then Trial Court Chief Justice Paula M. Carey. In 2015, the Massachusetts Judges Conference honored him with an award for judicial excellence. He is a past member of the Board of Trustees of the Flaschner Judicial Institute.
Prior to his appointment to the bench, Piper practiced for 20 years with Goodwin Procter LLP, specializing in real estate and land use matters and real estate litigation. He also served as president of the Massachusetts Conveyancers Association, now the Real Estate Bar Association.
Piper and Trial Court Administrator Thomas G. Ambrosino plan to reappoint Deputy Court Administrator Jill Ziter. Ambrosino said, “Chief Justice Piper and DCA Ziter have demonstrated effective approaches to enhancing the role of the Land Court in facilitating real estate and land use cases across the state. I look forward to our continued collaboration.”
-------------------------------------
Berkshire Probate and Family Court Virtual Registry available Oct. 11
The Berkshire Probate and Family Court Virtual Registry will be available starting on Wednesday, Oct. 11. You will be able to receive registry assistance by virtually bringing the court user face-to-face with court staff while remaining in your own home.
For more information on days/times of operation and how to access the registry, visit the website.
-------------------------------------
Western New England to present symposium
on race and the law
The Western New England Law Review will host a Zoom event, "The Color of Law: The Intersection of Race and the Law Symposium," on Friday, Oct. 13, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
The event will feature a keynote address by Richard Rothstein,
New York Times bestselling author of "The Color of Law," along with lectures on race and immigration and disability law by esteemed law professors. The day will also include panel discussions on criminal justice and child welfare law, bringing together judges, law professors and practitioners to provide comprehensive perspectives on these critical issues.
Register here.