Press Release  Honorable Paul C. Dawley Reappointed Chief Justice of the District Court by Trial Court Chief Justice Paula M. Carey

BOSTON, MA — Trial Court Chief Justice Paula M. Carey today announced the reappointment of the Honorable Paul C. Dawley as Chief Justice of the District Court for a five-year term effective September 1, 2018, in accordance with G.L. c.211B, §5. Chief Justice Dawley has served on the District Court since 2001, and as Chief Justice of the department since his initial appointment on September 1, 2013.

"I am pleased to announce the reappointment of Chief Justice Paul Dawley to this very challenging role leading our largest court department,” said Chief Justice Carey. “Chief Justice Dawley is an extraordinary leader. He has worked with passion and dedication, managing the operation of this 1,000-person department. His substantial experience as a chief justice, judge and administrator has shaped the direction of court procedures and processes, not only in the District Court but for the Trial Court as a whole. Chief Justice Dawley is a humble leader who never backs away from a challenge and continually seeks to improve the judicial system.”

Chief Justice Dawley said, “I am honored to be reappointed to the position of Chief Justice of the District Court Department. I am grateful to Chief Justice Carey for her confidence in me and for her support of the District Court. I look forward to continued partnership with an outstanding team of court staff, probation officers, clerks and judges who strive for excellence every day.”

Prior to his appointment to the bench, Chief Justice Dawley worked as a prosecutor in the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, serving as Deputy First Assistant District Attorney where he was responsible for the prosecution and investigation of homicide and major felony cases. He was previously the Regional Administrative Judge for District Court Region 2, which includes all of Norfolk County and some courts in Bristol and Plymouth Counties, and served as the First Justice of the Brockton District Court. Chief Justice Dawley is a graduate of Boston College High School, Tufts University and Suffolk University Law School.

The District Court Department is comprised of 62 divisions with 158 authorized judicial positions across the Commonwealth. The Massachusetts Trial Court includes seven court departments with 385 judges who deliver justice in 99 courthouses across the state.

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