Supreme Judicial Court Rules  Rule 2.13 Administrative appointments

(A)

In making administrative appointments, a judge shall:

• (1) exercise the power of appointment impartially and on the basis of merit; and
• (2) avoid nepotism, favoritism, and unnecessary appointments.

(B)

A judge shall not approve compensation of appointees beyond the fair value of services rendered.

[1]

Appointees of a judge may include assigned counsel, guardians ad litem, special masters, receivers, and any court personnel subject to appointment by a judge. Consent by the parties to an appointment or an award of compensation does not relieve the judge of the obligation prescribed by this Rule. Compliance with court rules pertaining to fee-generating appointments satisfies the judge's obligations under Paragraph (A). See SJC Rule 1:07.

[2]

Unless otherwise defined by law, nepotism is the appointment or hiring of any relative within the third degree of relationship of either the judge or the judge’s spouse or domestic partner, or the spouse or domestic partner of such relative. See also Trial Court Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual, § 4.304.