BOSTON – Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has demonstrated her commitment to strengthening the Commonwealth’s judicial framework by nominating four distinguished legal practitioners to address critical judicial vacancies.
The Governor has put forth Connor Barusch, Nicholas Brandt, and Dana Pierce as nominees for Associate Justice positions within the Boston Municipal Court, while Hilary McCamic has been nominated to serve as an Associate Justice of the District Court.
These judicial appointments, announced on December 5, 2024, are pending confirmation by the Governor’s Council.
“These four nominees exemplify the highest standards of legal acumen and professional integrity that our judiciary demands,” Governor Healey stated. “Their extensive experience and demonstrated commitment to justice will significantly enhance our courts’ ability to serve the Commonwealth’s interests while upholding constitutional principles.”
The Boston Municipal Court (BMC), a cornerstone of the city’s judicial infrastructure, exercises jurisdiction over an extensive range of criminal and civil matters, ensuring the administration of justice with due process and judicial integrity. Operating through eight distinct divisions across Boston’s diverse neighborhoods, including Brighton, Roxbury, and South Boston, the BMC maintains appellate jurisdiction over unemployment compensation matters and firearms licensing determinations.
These strategic nominations by Governor Healey will effectively address all existing vacancies within the BMC, demonstrating her administration’s dedication to maintaining a fully operational judiciary.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll endorsed the nominations, stating, “We look forward to collaborating with the Governor’s Council to advance these nominations and further strengthen Massachusetts’ judicial system.”
Connor Barusch, currently serving as Director of Criminal Defense Training at the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), brings substantial expertise in legal education and advocacy. Barusch has distinguished themselves through extensive attorney training initiatives statewide and significant contributions to equitable jurisprudence. As a founding member of the Massachusetts Transgender Legal Advocates and active participant in the Massachusetts LGBTQ Bar Association, Barusch has consistently advocated for underrepresented populations.
Barusch’s professional background encompasses roles as a trial attorney and faculty member at the National Criminal Defense College.
Their academic credentials include degrees from Harvard College and Boston University School of Law, reflecting a comprehensive foundation in legal theory and practice.
Nicholas Brandt, presently Deputy Legal Counsel in the Administrative Office of the District Court, has dedicated his career to addressing crucial societal issues including mental health advocacy, substance use disorder intervention, and law enforcement reform. His contributions to judicial education and policy development have significantly impacted Massachusetts’ legal framework.
Brandt’s professional history includes service as Deputy Legal Counsel to Governor Charlie Baker and as an Assistant District Attorney in Suffolk County, where he developed extensive trial and appellate litigation experience. A graduate of Williams College and Boston College Law School, Brandt’s nomination reflects his sustained commitment to judicial excellence.
Dana Pierce currently serves as Director of Externships at Harvard Law School, where she facilitates practical legal education. Her distinguished career in prosecution, including executive positions within the Suffolk and Plymouth County District Attorney’s Offices, has equipped her with comprehensive expertise in complex judicial proceedings.
Pierce’s professional portfolio also includes her tenure as Vice President and Legal Counsel at State Street Bank and Trust Company, where she demonstrated exceptional acumen in managing complex international legal matters and policy-related inquiries. Her multifaceted expertise in prosecution and legal education, complemented by her academic credentials from Northeastern University and Boston University School of Law, establishes her as an invaluable addition to the Boston Municipal Court’s judicial bench.
Enhancing Judicial Capacity in the District Court System
The Massachusetts District Court system, encompassing 62 jurisdictional locations throughout the Commonwealth, serves as a fundamental pillar of judicial administration. This court system exercises comprehensive jurisdiction over diverse legal matters, ranging from criminal proceedings to civil litigation and small claims adjudication, functioning as an essential component of the state’s judicial infrastructure.
Governor Healey’s nomination of Hilary McCamic to serve as an Associate Justice of the District Court further augments her previous appointments of 13 distinguished legal practitioners to this judicial body.
Throughout her professional tenure, Hilary McCamic has demonstrated unwavering dedication to criminal defense advocacy, particularly in representing indigent defendants before both District and Superior Courts as staff counsel for the Committee for Public Counsel Services. Her extensive litigation experience encompasses complex criminal proceedings and zealous advocacy for historically marginalized individuals within the judicial system.
Prior to assuming her current position, McCamic maintained an independent legal practice exclusively focused on criminal defense litigation, managing complex cases involving life felonies and aggravated criminal matters. Her academic credentials, including a Bachelor’s degree from Elmira College, a Master’s degree from Boston University, and a Juris Doctor from the University of New Hampshire, reflect her comprehensive preparation for judicial service.
Since assuming office, Governor Healey has consistently demonstrated her commitment to strengthening the Commonwealth’s judicial institutions. Her judicial appointments reflect a deliberate emphasis on diversity, professional expertise, and dedicated service to Massachusetts communities.
These recent nominations complement her previous judicial appointments to both the Boston Municipal Court and District Court. Notable appointees include Rebeca G. Figueroa, Vanessa Vélez, and Steven S. Kim for the BMC, alongside thirteen distinguished attorneys nominated to the District Court, including Heath Antonio, Marjorie P. Tynes, and Polly Phillips.
Through prioritizing comprehensive judicial staffing, Governor Healey continues to address the Commonwealth’s evolving legal requirements while fostering public confidence in judicial administration.
The Governor’s Council will now undertake its constitutional duty to review these nominations and determine their confirmation. Upon approval, these nominees will contribute their substantial experience, dedication, and judicial perspective to their respective courts.
Governor Healey’s commitment to judicial excellence underscores her broader objective of ensuring equitable justice and operational efficiency within Massachusetts courts. As she articulated, “These nominees exemplify the highest standards of our legal community, and I anticipate their contributions toward ensuring equitable justice for all constituents.”