Ponsor publishes novel
U.S. District Court Judge Michael A. Ponsor has penned his first
novel titled, "The Hanging Judge," which is now commercially
available. The book draws upon Ponsor's years as a federal trial
judge, in particular his experience presiding over the 2001 death
penalty trial of Kristen Gilbert, who killed four ailing patients
under her care at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in
Northampton, and attempted to kill two more.
The book primarily deals with a drive-by shooting in which two are
killed, a nurse and a known drug dealer.
The book highlights not only the real-life aspects of the criminal
justice system generally, but the thoughts and pressures placed on
the specific actors within it. A veteran defense attorney and an
ambitious prosecutor clash as a new judge must referee.
Ponsor was appointed as a magistrate judge in 1984 by President
Ronald Reagan, and then a district judge 10 years later by
President Bill Clinton; he took senior status in 2011, but still
hears both criminal and civil cases.
MBA member honored with 2013 Pro Bono Publico Award
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of
Massachusetts announced the recipients of the 2013 Pro Bono Publico
awards, and MBA member Jonathan R. Goldsmith of Goldsmith, Katz
& Argenio PC received the Western Division Award.
Goldsmith was honored for his commitment to representing indigent
parties in all aspects of bankruptcy matters, as well as mentoring
of new bankruptcy practitioners. He has served as a panelist and
lecturer on a number of bankruptcy and bankruptcy related programs.
In addition, Goldsmith's commitment to encouraging others to engage
in pro bono services made him an ideal recipient of the inaugural
award.
Goldsmith is also a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute
and is a former New England District Chair of the Commercial Law
League of America.