The Massachusetts Bar Association applauds Governor Deval Patrick in his nomination of Associate Justice Roderick Ireland as the next supreme judicial court chief justice. Mr. Ireland, if confirmed, will fill the position vacated by a retiring Margaret H. Marshall.
"Associate Justice Roderick Ireland's exemplary intellect, poise and commitment to the rule of law make him a remarkable nomination to succeed the Hon. Margaret Marshall as the leader of the state's judiciary," MBA President Denise Squillante said.
"The bar, bench and most importantly, the citizens of the commonwealth, will be well served should Governor Patrick's nomination be confirmed," Ms. Squillante said. "In addition to his valued collaboration on access to justice initiatives, the MBA has long enjoyed Justice Ireland's partnership in its community programs aimed to educate youth and inspire the next generation of legal professionals."
Mr. Ireland has served as presiding judge of the MBA's annual Mock Trial Championship and has been a longtime advocate of the Worcester and Boston Judicial Youth Corps program. In 2008, he received the Great Friend of Justice Award from the Massachusetts Bar Foundation, philanthropic partner of the MBA.