Marblehead's Kate Cook Named First Assistant Attorney General

MARBLEHEAD, MA — Marblehead's Kate Cook is set to become the state's new First Assistant Attorney General, responsible for helping to manage the legal work of the AG's Office, after AG Maura Healey tabbed Cook to replace the departing Mary Strother.

"We look forward to welcoming Kate Cook to this important role of First Assistant and know she will serve the people of Massachusetts well," Healey said.

A partner at Sugarman, Rogers, Barshak & Cohen, P.C., Cook will begin her new role in January. She has represented clients in civil litigation, compliance counseling and crisis management, with Healey calling her a "leader of the firm's government law and election law practice groups."

She previously was the chief legal advisor to former Gov. Deval Patrick, was the general counsel to the Senate Ways and Means Committee and an assistant corporation counsel for the city of Boston.

"I am deeply honored by Attorney General Healey’s appointment and grateful for the opportunity to serve the Commonwealth," Cook said. "The Attorney General's Office is an advocate and resource for the people in so many critical ways, and I am thrilled to join this talented team in service to the people of Massachusetts."

Cook also has an active pro bono practice focusing on civil rights and civil liberties. She holds degrees from Boston University and Brown University.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)