Governor Maura Healey has announced the nomination of three highly accomplished attorneys for Associate Justice positions in the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court.
The nominees—Jennifer Bingham, Colleen Carroll, and Caryn Mitchell-Munevar—are recognized for their exemplary legal expertise and commitment to justice. Their appointments now await confirmation by the Governor’s Council.
“Our Commonwealth’s residents deserve judicial officers who will protect our fundamental rights and values while upholding the highest standards of the law,” said Governor Healey. “Attorneys Bingham, Carroll, and Mitchell-Munevar bring exceptional qualifications to the bench, and we look forward to the Governor’s Council’s careful review of their nominations”, she added.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll shared her enthusiasm for the nominations, stating, “I’m excited to work with the Governor’s Council to confirm these outstanding nominees who will serve our state with integrity and dedication.”
The Probate and Family Court plays a vital role in resolving legal issues that deeply affect families and children, including divorce, child custody, and estate matters. The court is committed to delivering fair, timely, and respectful access to justice for all individuals. Governor Healey’s nominees reflect her administration’s dedication to bolstering this mission by appointing top-tier legal professionals.
This announcement builds on Governor Healey’s earlier appointments of seven Associate Justices and two Registers of Probate, further demonstrating her commitment to strengthening the judiciary and ensuring equitable representation in Massachusetts courts.
Meet the Nominees
Jennifer A. Bingham
Jennifer Bingham is a seasoned domestic relations attorney with extensive experience in complex family law cases, including divorce, business valuations, and child custody. She currently focuses on alternative dispute resolution through her practice at Bingham Dispute Resolution. In addition to her legal career, Bingham is a law professor at Babson College and founder of the Team Owen Fund, a nonprofit organization supporting youth leadership. Her combination of legal expertise and community engagement positions her to make a significant impact on the court.
Colleen Carroll
Colleen Carroll serves as the Assistant Judicial Case Manager at Plymouth Probate & Family Court, where she manages the innovative Pathways Program, streamlining cases related to child support, custody, and alimony. With over two decades of experience in private practice, specializing in domestic relations and criminal defense, Carroll’s judicial and administrative acumen will bring practical and compassionate solutions to the bench.
Caryn Mitchell-Munevar
Caryn Mitchell-Munevar, Senior Supervising Attorney at Northeast Legal Aid, has a distinguished career handling diverse family law cases, including divorce, custody disputes, and international custody conflicts. With over 20 years as a Clinical Law Professor at New England Law, Mitchell-Munevar has also been a dedicated mentor to aspiring attorneys. Her pro bono work and deep knowledge of family law make her an exceptional choice for the Probate and Family Court.
A Continued Commitment to Judicial Excellence
Governor Healey’s judicial appointments underscore her dedication to a fair and equitable legal system. Earlier this year, she nominated several distinguished professionals, including Manisha Bhatt, Bernadette Stark, and Michelle Yee, to serve on the Probate and Family Court. These nominations reflect her administration’s focus on ensuring that Massachusetts courts are staffed with diverse and highly qualified jurists.