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Amy Blake sworn in as chief justice of Massachusetts Appeals Court, first woman to hold post
Summary
Amy Blake took the ceremonial oath of office at the John Adams Courthouse before judges, elected officials and family, and pledged to prioritize collaboration, mentoring and court community well-being.
Amy Blake was sworn in as chief justice of the Massachusetts Appeals Court at a ceremony at the John Adams Courthouse in Boston.
Governor Maura Healey administered the ceremonial oath and praised the judiciary, saying, "The decisions made by our courts have real and lasting impact on the lives of litigants. It's serious, serious business." Lieutenant Governor Kimberly Driscoll and members of the judiciary attended, and Justice William Mead served as master of ceremonies.
The appointment marks the first time a woman has been named chief justice of the Appeals Court. Blake, who was previously an appeals court justice and earlier served on the Probate and Family Court, thanked colleagues, staff and family and recognized court employees she said carry out the court’s work day to day. "I've cried a lot already. Thank you all," Blake said after taking the ceremonial oath.
The ceremony included tributes from appeals court colleagues who highlighted Blake's collaborative leadership, mentorship and institutional experience. "Amy Blake is an excellent listener," Justice Katherine Hand told the assembled crowd, citing Blake's open-door approach and record of working with court staff and judges. Justice Gabrielle Wolohojian and others recounted Blake's long service on court committees and in judicial education roles.
Blake told attendees she intends to lead by setting a stage for others’ success and noted the importance of the decisions the court makes. She also announced steps already begun in her short tenure as chief, including one-on-one meetings with court members and scheduling an all-court meeting to increase participation in committee work.
Organizers asked that attendees join a reception on the second floor after the ceremony. The program also recognized members of the governor's office and the governor's council for their roles in vetting and confirming judicial nominees. Several speakers emphasized the diversity of recent appointments under the Healey administration and the governor's collaboration with the governor's council in the confirmation process.
The ceremony closed with remarks acknowledging the appeals court staff, law clerks and court officers Blake cited as core to the court's daily functions.
