Leaders of the Massachusetts Bar Association, Boston Bar
Association and the Trial Court coordinated an informational
meeting with Hampden County legislators at Springfield's Hall of
Justice on Feb. 28. On the heels of a successful, similar event
with Essex County legislators in early January, this afternoon
gathering was an opportunity to depict the local impact experienced
from court funding cuts.
Following introductory remarks by MBA President Robert L. Holloway
Jr., BBA President James D. Smeallie and Supreme Judicial Court
Associate Justice Francis X. Spina, Trial Court Administrator Harry
Spence, Springfield-based clerks, judges and others spoke to the
reality of understaffed departments.
Legislative staff in attendance included Daniel Zwirko from State
Rep. Brian M. Ash's office and Orlando Ramos from Sen. James T.
Welch's office.