Appeals Court Swears In Associate Justice Zachary M. Hillman at Special Sitting

The Appeals Court held a special sitting July 14, 2026, to induct Associate Justice Zachary M. Hillman. The presiding justice welcomed family, guests and court staff and introduced Justice Hillman, who was nominated by Governor Maura T. Healey and sworn in in a private ceremony on July 6, 2026.

Julie Goldman, First Assistant Clerk of the Appeals Court, read the commission appointing Zachary M. Hillman under the provisions of chapter 211A of the General Laws. The presiding justice noted the court follows a tradition of convening an expanded five-judge panel for the first case heard by a newly appointed justice; following that case the bench was to be reconfigured to a three-judge panel for the second case of the day.

Justice Hillman’s professional biography was summarized on the bench: he graduated from Plymouth State College and Suffolk University Law School, served as an assistant district attorney in the appellate unit of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office where he authored numerous appellate briefs and argued cases in higher courts, and was appointed in 2021 by then‑Governor Charlie Baker as an associate justice of the District Court, serving as first justice of the Worcester District Court and regional administrative judge for Region 5. The presiding justice also noted Hillman’s editorial work with the Massachusetts Law Review, membership in the Worcester County Bar Association, and service as treasurer of the Massachusetts Judges Conference.

The presiding justice formally concluded the induction, thanked those present, and paused briefly so guests who attended solely for the ceremony could leave before the court proceeded with oral arguments.