Press Release  Trial Court Chief Justice Paula M. Carey Reappoints Housing Court Chief Justice Timothy F. Sullivan

BOSTON, MA — Trial Court Chief Justice Paula M. Carey has announced the reappointment of Chief Justice Timothy F. Sullivan to lead the Housing Court for a second five-year term in accordance with G.L. c.211B, §5. 

“I am pleased to announce the reappointment of Chief Justice Sullivan to lead the Housing Court,” said Chief Justice Carey. “Chief Justice Sullivan has earned a reputation with his colleagues for being accessible, approachable and receptive to addressing diverse concerns. His philosophy of open communication, collaboration and team building will ensure his ability to address the future challenges facing the department. He has worked hard to roll out the expansion of the Housing Court and e-Filing initiatives. He has strongly led the Court in response to the eviction moratorium. I am confident his hard work will ensure balance and fairness, as we all address this crisis and push to preserve tenancies, if possible.”

Chief Justice Sullivan said, “I am honored by Chief Justice Carey’s confidence in me and I greatly appreciate her strong support. I am very proud of my Housing Court colleagues who have done a great job with the Court’s expansion to 84 additional communities, as well as transitioning to eFiling and to virtual operations during the pandemic. We recognize the significant challenges that the pandemic has created for tenants and landlords and will work closely with communities across the state to develop workable solutions wherever possible.”

Chief Justice Sullivan and Trial Court Administrator Jonathan S. Williams have reappointed Benjamin O. Adeyinka to serve as Deputy Court Administrator for the Housing Court Department. 

Chief Justice Sullivan previously served as First Justice of the Housing Court’s Northeast Division and as an Associate Justice in the Worcester Division. Prior to his appointment to the bench in 2004, he maintained a general law practice in Newburyport with a concentration on landlord-tenant matters, real estate conveyancing, estate administration and land use. He is a graduate of Merrimack College and New England Law School. He resides with his family in Topsfield.

The Housing Court Department is comprised of six divisions with 15 authorized judicial positions across the Commonwealth. The Massachusetts Trial Court includes seven court departments with 385 judges who deliver justice in 97 courthouses across the state.         

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