Marshall heads Conference of Chief Justices, National Center for
State Courts
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Margaret H. Marshall was recently elected president of the Conference of Chief Justices.
Established in 1949, the CCJ promotes the vitality, interests and effectiveness of state judicial systems as the primary representative of the state courts before Congress and the federal executive agencies. Marshall will lead the CCJ’s initiatives to improve the administration of justice in the 50 states and five territories of the United States.
"I am honored to serve as president of the Conference of Chief Justices," said Marshall. "Courts throughout the country face enormous challenges with changing demographics, burgeoning caseloads and fiscal restraints. Working with distinguished leaders of courts across our nation and sharing our knowledge in critical areas of the law and judicial administration will benefit all of our court systems. I am very proud and privileged to lead this prestigious organization."
Concurrently, Marshall became chair of the board of directors of the National Center for State Courts, the information and research clearinghouse and "think tank" for state courts, for a one-year term.
Greaney to join Suffolk University Law School as director of Macaronis Institute for Trial
and Appellate Advocacy
Hon. John M. Greaney, associate justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, will join the Suffolk University Law School faculty and serve as director of the Macaronis Institute for Trial and Appellate Advocacy beginning in December.
"Justice Greaney brings a wealth of experience at every level of the judiciary, for which he has won the admiration of people both within and outside of the legal profession," said Suffolk University President David J. Sargent.
The Macaronis Institute, founded in 1999, offers highly specialized programs to practicing attorneys and law students.
"I am honored by my appointment to Suffolk University Law School, which has a tradition of excellence that I will endeavor to serve and enhance," said Greaney. "The Macaronis Institute, through its civil litigation concentration, trains law students to provide essential services in areas of practice that are vital to the maintenance of our system of justice."
Greaney served in the military and engaged in private practice before joining the judiciary in 1974 as the presiding judge of the Hampden County Housing Court. He later served as a justice of the Superior Court and the Appeals Court. He was chief justice of the Massachusetts Appeals Court before his appointment to the SJC.
Garo receives Edmund S. Muskie Pro Bono Service Award
The American Bar Association Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section honored Victor J. Garo, principal of the Law Offices of Victor J. Garo in Medford, with the Edmund S. Muskie Pro Bono Service Award.
The award recognizes TIPS members who have the attributes embodied by the late Sen. Muskie of Maine — his dedication to justice for all citizens, public service and his role as a lawyer and distinguished leader
of TIPS.
The award was presented during the 2008 ABA Annual Meeting at the section’s 75th Anniversary Dinner. Garo is best known for his work on the high-profile Salvati murder case, a case he worked on for nearly 30 years on a pro bono basis before winning the largest award given to a family in a wrongful imprisonment case in U.S. history.
"Victor’s dedication to pro bono work and the public good are unparalleled," said ABA TIPS Section Chair Peter Bennett. "In the Joseph Salvati case, he invested more than 30,000 hours of pro bono time to right a wrong and to uncover the government’s cover-up of a public injustice of epic proportion. His commitment to the rule of law and service above self are examples for all lawyers to follow."
Feinberg awarded OMS National Insurance Company’s "Defense Star" award
Boston attorney Judith Feinberg was honored by the OMS National Insurance Company with the Defense Star award for her excellent work representing oral and maxillofacial surgeons in litigated matters and administrative proceedings. The award was given at the 2008 OMSNIC Defense Counsel Seminar held in Chicago.
Feinberg is a member of both the Medical Services and the Employment Counseling & Litigation Groups at Nelson, Kinder, Mosseau, & Saturley PC in Boston.
A graduate of Boston University School of Law, Feinberg has experience in medical law and litigation. In 2007, she was recognized as a "Rising Star" in the legal profession by Boston magazine.