Statement of Chief Justice Roderick L. Ireland:
Project Team Formed on Hiring of New Court Administrator

          Recently enacted legislation creates two new Trial Court administrative leadership positions of Chief Justice of the Trial Court and the Court Administrator. When the legislation becomes fully effective on July 1, 2012, Chief Justice for Administration & Management Robert A. Mulligan will become the Chief Justice of the Trial Court and will have over-all charge of Trial Court judicial policy. The Court Administrator, in consultation with Chief Justice Mulligan, will have responsibility for the Trial Court's administrative functions to ensure that those functions provide modern, effective, and efficient support to judges and court staff who are delivering justice at a time of significant staff reductions.

          To ensure a smooth, effective assumption of responsibilities, the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court expect to appoint the new Court Administrator early next year. Therefore, the Justices formed a project team which includes Supreme Judicial Court Justices Robert J. Cordy, Margot Botsford, and Ralph D. Gants, Appeals Court Justice James F. McHugh, and Supreme Judicial Court Senior Attorney Sandra E. Lundy, to consult with chief justices, court administrators, commissioners, clerk-magistrates, directors, the Court Management Advisory Board, bar leaders, and other key stakeholders, on this hiring process. The project team will use the results of that consultation to define the competencies, qualifications, and experience needed for this important new role, as well as to develop a process for recommending a candidate or candidates to the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court.

          The Justices are committed to an open, thoughtful process that will identify and recommend the best available candidates. In the near future, the Justices will announce the details and timeline of that process, which will include plans for encouraging your input and keeping you informed of our progress.

          These are challenging times for the courts in many ways. As we work together through these challenges, we are inspired by your unswerving dedication and commitment to serving the public in these difficult times. Our efforts are focused on enhancing the support you need and deserve for the important work you do on a daily basis.

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