Honorable H. Gregory Williams Appointed as First Justice
of the Edgartown District Court

Boston — District Court Chief Justice Lynda M. Connolly today announced the appointment of Judge H. Gregory Williams as the First Justice of the Edgartown District Court. Judge Williams will serve as the Acting First Justice until he is administered the oath of office by Chief Justice Connolly on November 4, 2005. Judge Williams fills the position held by former First Justice Brian Rowe, who stepped down as First Justice on December 1, 2004. Regional Administrative Judge Rosemary B. Minehan served as the Acting First Justice in Edgartown, prior to Judge Williams' appointment.

          TThe 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, "Judge Williams has the necessary balance of confidence, humility, judicial savvy and compassion to make him an effective and respected First Justice. He is a person of incomparable integrity and has a strong commitment to the Edgartown District Court and the Martha's Vineyard community. I am delighted to make this appointment, and I have great confidence in his ability to serve the community and represent the Court."

          Judge Williams was appointed as Associate Justice of the Springfield District Court by Governor Paul Cellucci in 1999. Since 2001, he has served as a Circuit Judge in the Coastal Region of the District Court. He is the Presiding Justice of the Southern District of the Appellate Division of the District Court, and is the managing civil justice for that region. Judge Williams also serves as a member of the District Court Civil Proceedings Committee.

          Prior to his judicial appointment, Judge Williams was an Assistant Attorney General in the Western Massachusetts Division, and served as the division's Deputy Chief. Prior to working in the Attorney General's Office, Judge Williams was in private litigation practice at the law firm of Brooks, Mulcahy, Sanborn & Williams since 1978.

          Judge Williams received his undergraduate degree from Western Maryland College in 1972, and received his Master's Degree in English from Queen Mary College at the University of London. He graduated from Washington and Lee University Law School where he served as Law Review editor in 1977. He resides in Marston Mills with his wife and has three children.