News  Supreme Judicial Court Commences Search for Next Chief Justice of the Trial Court

BOSTON, MA — With Chief Justice Jeffrey Locke retiring in December 2023, the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) has commenced the process to select his successor by issuing a notice inviting applications and nominations for the position of Chief Justice of the Trial Court.

The Chief Justice of the Trial Court is a key leadership position in the Massachusetts judiciary, with responsibility for the general superintendence of the judicial policy of the Trial Court. The Chief Justice of the Trial Court works in close collaboration with the Court Administrator to advance the mission of the Trial Court – “justice with dignity and speed.”

By statute, the position of Chief Justice of the Trial Court must be filled from among the judges of the Trial Court departments, by a majority vote of the Justices of the SJC. The Chief Justice of the Trial Court, like the Court Administrator, reports to the Justices through the Chief Justice of the SJC.

The application and nomination period will remain open until the close of business on September 15, 2023. Trial Court judges interested in the position, and others interested in nominating a Trial Court judge for consideration, should submit the required materials as set forth in the notice by that deadline.

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