Supreme Judicial Court Approves New Rules on Criminal Pretrial Discovery (12/2)

The Supreme Judicial Court has issued an Order approving the first comprehensive revisions to the rules governing criminal pretrial discovery since 2004. Specifically, the Order approves the replacement of existing Rule 14 of the Rules of Criminal Procedure with new Rules 14, 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, and 14.4. Read Full Article

Superior Court Invites 2025-26 Law Fellowship Applications (Superior Court Announcement)

The Superior Court is pleased to invite applications for its 2025-26 Law Fellowship Program. We seek to fill as many as six Fellowship positions. The goal of the Fellowship Program is to provide entry-level or junior attorneys opportunities to develop legal research and writing skills and gain valuable knowledge and experience in a broad range of civil and criminal matters by assisting the Justices of the Superior Court. The Fellowship is also intended to serve as a potential pathway for outstanding Fellows to seek permanent positions as Research Attorneys in the Superior Court. Read Full Article

Supreme Judicial Court Pro Bono Committee Present Awards to Four Attorneys and a Law Student at 25th Anniversary Celebration (10/30)

At a ceremony in the John Adams Courthouse, Supreme Judicial Court Associate Justice Elizabeth N. Dewar presented awards to four attorneys and a law student selected by the Supreme Judicial Court Standing Committee on Pro Bono Legal Services, in recognition of their exceptional dedication to providing volunteer services for persons who cannot afford an attorney. Read Full Article

Supreme Judicial Court Justices Appoint Clerk for the Commonwealth (8/28)

The Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court have appointed Maura A. Looney as the next Clerk for the Commonwealth. Ms. Looney was sworn in today by Chief Justice Kimberly S. Budd. This appointment fills a vacancy resulting from the departure of Clerk Francis V. Kenneally, who was sworn in as a District Court judge. Ms. Looney has served as Acting Clerk for the Commonwealth since April 1. Read Full Article

Supreme Judicial Court Repeals Rule 3:16 Requiring Newly Admitted Lawyers to Complete Practicing with Professionalism Course (Press Release 8/19)

BOSTON, MA -- The Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) has issued an order repealing SJC Rule 3:16, effective August 14, 2024, thereby removing the requirement that all persons admitted to the bar of the Commonwealth complete a mandatory Practicing with Professionalism Course within eighteen months of admission. Read Full Article