Press Release  Honorable Brian J. Dunn Appointed Chief Justice of the Probate and Family Court

BOSTON, MA — Trial Court Chief Justice Heidi E. Brieger today announced the appointment of Judge Brian J. Dunn as Chief Justice of the Probate and Family Court for a five-year term in accordance with G.L. c.211B, §5, effective July 7, 2025. He will succeed Chief Justice John D. Casey who will retire from the bench on July 6, after nearly 20 years of service.

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Associate Justice Brian Dunn to lead the Probate and Family Court,” said Trial Court Chief Justice Brieger. “Judge Dunn has led the busy Probate and Family Court in Suffolk County for eight years. His experience and leadership skills are well-tested and will prove to be an asset to the entire Probate and Family Court. He is recognized by his colleagues for his dedication to improving court efficiency and modernizing operations, his mentorship of fellow judges, and his leadership in delivering timely and effective justice.”

Judge Dunn was appointed to the Probate and Family Court in 2013 and currently serves as First Justice in the Suffolk Division of Probate and Family Court. He sits on the Elder Justice Innovation Grant Internal Advisory Committee and is chairperson of the Guardianship Committee. He served on the Board of Directors of the Mental Health Leal Advisors Committee and sat on the Trial Court’s Registers and Judges Working Group, Assistant Judicial Case Manager Transition Working Group, and the 2025 Transition Leadership Team.

Judge Dunn began his legal career in 1992 as a solo practitioner concentrating on civil litigation, with a focus on juvenile law, child custody, and mental health proceedings. He is a graduate of Salem State College and Suffolk University Law School.

“I am honored to be appointed as the next Chief Justice of the Probate & Family Court, said Judge Dunn. “I am humbled by the support of my colleagues and grateful to Chief Justice Heidi Brieger and Court Administrator Thomas Ambrosino for placing their confidence in me.”

Chief Justice Casey has served on the Probate and Family Court since 2006 and has held the position of Chief Justice since 2018.

“Chief Justice Casey has led with vision and innovation, expanding virtual services and proceedings, and launching innovative programs like the Pathways Case Management System and the Case Conferencing Program, both of which have improved access to justice,” said Trial Court Chief Justice Brieger.

Judge Dunn and Trial Court Administrator Thomas G. Ambrosino will reappoint Domenic DiCenso as Deputy Court Administrator for the Probate and Family Court for a five-year term.

The Probate and Family Court Department is comprised of 14 divisions with 59 authorized judicial positions across the Commonwealth. The Massachusetts Trial Court includes seven court departments with 393 judges who deliver justice in 94 courthouses across the state.

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