More than 200 attorneys and court employees from Worcester County attended the Open Dialogue on Court Practices held on Oct. 16 at the Worcester Trial Court.
Superior Court Regional Administrative Judge John S. McCann welcomed participants and introduced speakers prior to breakout discussions conducted by each court department.
Supreme Judicial Court Justice Robert J. Cordy, Chief Justice for Administration and Management Robert A. Mulligan and Court Management Advisory Board Chair Michael B. Keating also delivered brief remarks. Worcester County Bar Association President Stephen R. Anderson greeted participants and encouraged candid discussion of court management issues.
Chief justices, judges, clerks, registers, assistant clerks and other court staff from six Trial Court departments were on hand to participate in the breakout sessions, which were each co-moderated by a judge and member of the bar.
The Worcester County Bar Association cosponsored the event with the Massachusetts Bar Association and the Massachusetts Trial Court.
This session was the last of five Open Dialogues held across the state this year. The Trial Court departments are reviewing the suggestions and comments to identify issues for action and further discussion. Pilot programs building on input received are already in development.