With Chief Justice Roderick Ireland’s recent announcement of his July 25th retirement from the bench, we wanted to take the opportunity to reflect on the momentous progress our courts have made during his time as the Chief Justice. Chief Justice Ireland has left an indelible mark by expanding and enhancing the relationship between the judiciary and our state legislature.
In 2010, Chief Justice Ireland became the first African-American Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court. From the beginning, he worked closely with the legislature, building bridges and developing relationships that have become real friendships. A testament to this relationship is obvious to any visitor at his Speaker DeLeo’s office. Both men proudly display pictures of the two of them together in their respective offices.
Chief Justice Ireland’s leadership has always been impressive, and the way he has reached out to court employees is truly remarkable. During his tenure, he made a point of visiting courthouses to thank court employees for their hard work. He has done more than just boost morale for court employees; Chief Justice Ireland has been committed to improving the court system for the average person while demystifying the entire courtroom experience.
In 2011, working with Chief Justice Ireland, the legislature passed court reorganization legislation. This law brought about the most comprehensive overhaul of the Massachusetts judiciary since the Court Reorganization Act of 1978. It established the Office of Court Management under a newly created Court Administrator position who works in tandem with the Chief Justice of the Trial Court. Shortly after its enactment, Paula Carey was named Chief Justice of the Trial Court and Harry Spence became the first Court Administrator for the Trial Court.
The Courts have done well under Chief Justice Ireland and the legislature has remained supportive of the judiciary including a recent – and long overdue – pay raise last summer. In his roughly three and one-half years as Chief Justice, Roderick Ireland has made a lasting impression on the judiciary and every person who uses our courts on a daily basis.
His tireless efforts working with all branches of government have resulted in unprecedented reforms for the judiciary and lasting goodwill within the other branches of government, especially the legislature. The Trial Court has emerged with a more streamlined and strong administrative structure, and judicial salaries are now more competitive than they have been in nearly a decade. We are pleased to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of Chief Justice Ireland and look forward to the next Chief Justice continuing his full government collaboration.
– Kathleen Joyce
Government Relations Director
Boston Bar Association
