Press Release  Governor Healey Nominates Three Attorneys to District Court

Boston — Governor Maura Healey today nominated Hector Zumbado, Lauren Greene and William Powers to serve as Associate Justices of the District Court. The nominees will now be considered by the Governor’s Council for confirmation.

“Hector, Lauren and Bill will bring decades of legal experience to the bench and have the expertise, wisdom and unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law that is needed to serve on the District Court,” said Governor Maura Healey. “I am grateful for the counsel of the Judicial Nominating Commission for helping me nominate an excellent group of judges to serve our residents across Massachusetts.”

“I am excited to work with the Governor’s Council to advance all three of these nominees, who have shown true dedication to the law and to justice,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Over the past two and a half years, I have appreciated the Council's due diligence on each of our nominees and their help in confirming the best judges.”

The District Court Department hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to five years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties, all misdemeanors, and all violations of city and town ordinances and by-laws. In civil matters, the District Court hears cases in which the damages are not likely to be more than $50,000 and small claims cases up to $7,000. The District Court is located in 62 courts across the state.

Governor Healey has already nominated 22 attorneys to the District Court: Heath Antonio,   Patrick Burke, Lisa Core, Frederick DeCubellis, Brian Doxtader, Leo Fama, Stuart Hurowitz, Edward Kacasinas, Francis V. Kenneally, Sarah Kennedy, Edward Jr. Krippendorf, Cara Krysil, Courtney C. Linnehan, Hilary McCamic, Suzanne McDonough, Jerry Parisella, Polly Phillips, Joanna Rodriguez, Gegory Teran, Marjorie P. Tynes, Amanda Ward, and Liza Williamson.  

For more information about the District Court, visit their homepage.

About the Nominees:

William Powers is a seasoned trial attorney with over 26 years of experience representing clients throughout Massachusetts’ courts. He has been a solo practitioner in Hampden County as well as a Bar Advocate for indigent clients. He also serves as the General Counsel and District Director for the First Congressional District, creating strategies for legislation, and spearheading the office’s regulatory reform efforts. His solo practice in Springfield focuses on criminal defense and immigration work. Attorney Powers previously served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office where he prosecuted criminal matters. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Vermont and Juris Doctor from the Roger Williams University School of Law.  Attorney Powers lives in Franklin County with his wife and three children.

Lauren Greene is currently the Clerk Magistrate of the Stoughton District Court where she is responsible for the ministerial and magisterial administration of the Court.  In this role, Attorney Greene presides over small claims matters and show cause hearings, conducts administrative and motor vehicle appeals, and reviews search warrants and arrest reports.  Attorney Greene formerly served as a Deputy Legal Counsel to Governor Charlie Baker and as the Executive Director of Governor Baker’s Judicial Nominating Commission.  Prior to that, Attorney Greene served as an Assistant District Attorney in Suffolk County, handling cases in both the Boston Municipal and Superior Courts.  She also supervised teams in both the West Roxbury Division and the Dorchester Divisions of the Boston Municipal Court.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Boston University and a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University School of Law.   

Hector Zumbado is an experienced trial lawyer who runs a solo practice in Boston focused on criminal defense and personal injury cases. He also regularly serves as a mediator and arbitrator for civil matters and is an Adjunct Professor of Trial Practice at New England Law Boston. Prior to opening his solo practice, Attorney Zumbado spent over 25 years in private practice at law firms in New Hampshire and Massachusetts litigating a wide range of civil matters in both state and federal court. A native Spanish speaker, Attorney Zumbado holds a Bachelor of Science at the University of New Hampshire, a Masters in Business Administration from Suffolk University and a Juris Doctor from New England School of Law.   

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