Arlington Resident Nominated for Associate Justice Seat

ARLINGTON, MA — An Arlington native was nominated by Gov. Charlie Baker to serve as an associate justice on the Massachusetts Superior Court, the governor announced Wednesday.

Attorney Christopher K. Barry-Smith, who currently serves as First Assistant Attorney Generay for Maura Healy, was nominated by Baker Wednesday. He joins attorney Kathryn Phelan-Brown of Lynn as one of two nominated for judicial positions

“Attorneys Phelan-Brown and Barry-Smith will bring exceptional legal acumen and sound judgment to their respective benches, and put decades of relevant experience to work for the citizens of the Commonwealth, if confirmed,” said Baker. “Ms. Phelan-Brown has devoted her practice to the Juvenile Court, exhibiting the compassion and commitment needed to represent children and families in some of the most heart wrenching cases in the Commonwealth. Mr. Barry-Smith has served three Attorneys General with distinction, in a number of positions of increasing responsibility within the AG’s office and I am pleased to recommend both to the Governor's Council for their consideration."

Barry-Smith graduated cum laude from Harvard in 1988 and in 1993 from William and Mary Law School. He practiced commercial litigation Hanify & King in Boston until he joined the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division in 1997.

According to the announcement from the Governor's office, Barry-Smith returned to private practice in 1999 at Bromberg & Sunstein where he focused on intellectual property litigation, and rejoined the Attorney General’s Office in 2002.

He has served in his current position since 2015.

Barry-Smith's nomination is subject to the advice and consent of the Governor's Council.

“I look forward to the Council’s review of these two distinguished attorneys,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito in a statement. “I believe both possess the qualities and the experience to excel on their respective courts and I am confident that they will treat those that appear before them fairly and wisely.”

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