Honorable Phyllis J. Broker Appointed as First Justice of
the Woburn District Court

Boston — Chief Justice of the District Court Lynda M. Connolly today announced the appointment of Judge Phyllis J. Broker as the First Justice of the Woburn District Court. Judge Broker will serve as the Acting First Justice until she is administered the oath of office by Chief Justice Connolly at a swearing-in ceremony that will take place early next year. Judge Broker fills the position held by former First Justice Marie O. Jackson, who stepped down from her position as First Justice. Judge George Sprague served as the Acting First Justice in Woburn, prior to Judge Broker's appointment. 

          The term for a First Justice is five years, subject to renewal, and all First Justice appointments must be approved by Chief Justice for Administration and Management Robert A. Mulligan.

          In announcing the appointment Chief Justice Connolly said, "The First Justice of a court is integral to setting a tone of hard work, integrity and compassion; Judge Broker possesses the leadership and the character to fulfill this charge. She has sat regularly in Woburn and is familiar with the needs of the court and the community. She has deservedly earned the respect of the individuals and entities associated with the Court, and I am delighted to welcome her to the management team of the District Court."

          Judge Broker was appointed as an Associate Justice of the Woburn District Court by Governor Paul Cellucci in 1999. She chairs the District Court Criminal Proceedings Committee. Prior to her judicial appointment, Judge Broker worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Suffolk County and was later designated as the Chief of the Homicide Unit and as a Senior Trial Attorney of the Sexual Assault Unit. Judge Broker received her undergraduate degree from Northeastern University in 1973, and graduated from Northeastern University School of Law in 1976.