Massachusetts Bar Association Past President Marsha V.
Kazarosian was named by Gov. Charlie Baker to a special 12-member
Supreme Judicial Court Nominating Commission (SJC-NC) to recruit
and screen applicants to fill the multiple upcoming vacancies on
the commonwealth's highest court. The MBA commended Gov. Charlie
Baker for appointing this commission.
"Governor Baker's appointment of this special commission
demonstrates that he fully grasps the weight of this historic
opportunity to change the makeup of the commonwealth's top court,"
said MBA Chief Legal Counsel Martin W. Healy. "The governor has
wisely chosen to include on this special panel leaders of the bar
from throughout the commonwealth. The importance of having a court
that resembles the depth of diversity existing in the state will be
a major factor in his appointments. Seeking knowledgeable input
from the statewide bar will help ensure that the SJC maintains its
inclusive legacy."
By the end of his first term, Gov. Baker will have the
opportunity to name five new SJC justices. In addition to the
announced retirements from Justices Robert J. Cordy, Francis X.
Spina and Fernande R.V. Duffly, two additional justices -- Justice
Margot G. Botsford and Justice Geraldine S. Hines -- will reach the
mandatory retirement age of 70 in 2017.
Members of the statewide panel include:
- Lon F. Povich, co-chair
Governor's chief legal counsel
- Paul T. Dacier, co-chair
Chair, JNC
Executive vice president
and general counsel of EMC Corporation
- Lisa G. Arrowood
President, Boston Bar Association
Partner,
Arrowood Peters LLP
- Roberto M. Braceras
Vice chair, JNC
- Partner, Goodwin Procter LLP
- Brackett B. Denniston
General counsel, GE (ret.)
- The Hon. Margaret R. Hinkle
Justice, Massachusetts Superior
Court (ret.)
- The Hon. Roderick L. Ireland
Chief justice, Supreme Judicial
Court (ret.)
- Marsha V. Kazarosian
Immediate past president, Massachusetts
Bar Association
Partner, Kazarosian Costello
- Joan A. Lukey
Partner, Choate Hall & Stewart LLP
- Elizabeth A. Lunt
Of counsel, Zalkind Duncan &
Bernstein
- John P. Pucci
Partner, Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas LLP
- Carol T. Vittorioso
Vice chair, JNC