Jennifer May Allen ceremonially sworn in as associate justice of the Massachusetts Appeals Court

Jennifer May Allen was ceremonially sworn in as an associate justice of the Massachusetts Appeals Court at a ceremony held at the John Adams Courthouse. Governor Maura Healey administered the oath after guests and judicial leaders spoke in Allen.

Chief Justice Amy Lynn Blake of the Appeals Court opened the event by welcoming justices from across the judiciary, trial court leaders, members of the governor's legal team, the governor's council and other guests, and by thanking court staff and security for organizing the ceremony.

Chief Justice Brian J. Dunn of the Probate and Family Court described Allen's six years on the probate bench and her work leading pilot programs and administrative transitions. "She led by treating all litigants with dignity and respect," Dunn said, noting Allen's role in piloting Middlesex County's pathways ADR program and her focus on protecting respondents in guardianship and conservatorship matters.

Judge Melanie J. Gargas, a former colleague in Middlesex County, called Allen "overarchingly humble" and highlighted her work mentoring new judges, her speaking and teaching in the legal community, and her prior private-practice experience handling family-law matters.

Lieutenant Governor Kimberly Driscoll, speaking as the governor's ex officio member of the governor's council, said the council takes its responsibility for confirming judges seriously and praised the administration's efforts to appoint a diverse and experienced bench.

Governor Maura Healey described Allen's career path, noting she graduated from Brandeis University and earned her J.D. from Boston College Law School, spent roughly 25 years in private practice focused on family-law matters, and was appointed to the Probate and Family Court in 2019. "Judge Jennifer Allen is a jurist of remarkable experience, wisdom, and intelligence," the governor said before administering the oath.

At the podium, Allen thanked the governor, the governor's council, the judicial nominating commission, her colleagues, and her family. "It is an honor of a lifetime," she said, and pledged to bring the perspectives gained in the trial courts to her work on the appellate bench. Allen also acknowledged the court staff and law clerks who assisted in her transition and said she would "apply principles of integrity, honesty, and clarity" in the appeals court.

The ceremony concluded with Chief Justice Blake inviting attendees to a reception and asking the audience to stand for the recessional.