Honorable Lynda M. Connolly Reappointed Chief Justice of the District Court
by Chief Justice for Administration & Management Robert A. Mulligan

           Chief Justice for Administration & Management Robert A. Mulligan today announced the reappointment of Chief Justice Lynda M. Connolly to the District Court for a five-year term, in accordance with G.L. c.211B, §5. Chief Justice Connolly first was named Chief Justice in 2004 and has served the District Court since 1997.

           Chief Justice Mulligan said, "I am pleased to announce the reappointment of Chief Justice Lynda Connolly. I am delighted that she is willing to serve another five years in this extraordinarily challenging role leading our largest court department. As Chief Justice, she has demonstrated significant energy and vision in the implementation of many management reforms, using performance-based measures to improve the effectiveness and responsiveness of the court.

           Chief Justice Connolly’s impressive skills and abilities also have brought cohesion to this large organization of over 1,000 court staff. Despite the tremendous demands upon her as Chief Justice, she has willingly undertaken the additional responsibility of ably co-chairing the Trial Court Fiscal Task Force which has been of substantial benefit to the Trial Court in dealing with the present fiscal crisis."

           Chief Justice Mulligan said that Chief Justice Connolly received strong support from judges and attorneys in the District Court. She has received numerous honors, including the Daniel J. Toomey Judicial Excellence Award recently presented by the Massachusetts Bar Association and Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.

           Chief Justice Connolly said, "Our accomplishments in the District Court are the result of a remarkable collaborative effort by judges, clerks, probation officers, support staff, security and maintenance personnel. I am grateful to them for their dedication and hard work in putting a face on justice for the people seeking justice in over 800,000 cases filed in the District Courts each year. I appreciate Chief Justice Mulligan’s confidence in their efforts and in mine."

           The District Court Department is comprised of 62 Divisions with 158 authorized judicial positions across the Commonwealth. The Massachusetts Trial Court includes seven court departments with 379 judges who deliver justice in 106 courthouses across the state.