Juvenile Court Chief Justice Martha P. Grace has advised Chief Justice for Administration & Management Robert A. Mulligan of her decision to retire effective February 28, 2009. Chief Justice Grace has served the Trial Court for 22 years. She was appointed to the Juvenile Court in 1990 and named Chief Justice in 1998.

           “It has been a privilege to have this extraordinary opportunity to serve the people of the Commonwealth in this role,” said Chief Justice Grace. “As Chief Justice, I have worked hard to increase the ability of the Juvenile Court to deliver top quality justice to those who come before our court. I have felt honored every day to lead this important court where we have unique responsibilities and opportunities to make a difference in the lives of children and families.”

           Chief Justice Mulligan said, “The energetic and effective leadership of Chief Justice Grace, as well as her tireless advocacy on behalf of children, have been exemplary. She has brought tremendous insight and sensitivity to the challenging issues faced by the Juvenile Court, which has greatly enhanced the delivery of justice during her tenure. We will especially miss the intelligence, warmth and grace that she has brought to the monthly chiefs meetings.”

           Chief Justice Grace has received numerous honors from child welfare agencies and community organizations for her work on behalf of children, including the Distinguished Service Award from the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health.

           In accordance with G.L. c211B, §5, Chief Justice Mulligan is authorized to appoint a successor chief justice and has initiated the process to solicit nominations for the position and comments on the accomplishments, goals and direction of the court from judges, court employees, attorneys, and others on the court.

           The Juvenile Court Department is comprised of 11 Divisions with 41 authorized judicial positions across the Commonwealth. The Massachusetts Trial Court includes seven court departments with 379 judges who deliver justice to thousands of citizens daily in 106 courthouses across the state.