Governor Baker Nominates Joseph P. Hurley, III as Circuit Justice of the District Court

 Governor Baker Nominates Joseph P. Hurley, III as Circuit Justice of the District Court

 

BOSTON — This week, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Joseph P. Hurley, III as Circuit Justice of the District Court. Assistant Clerk Hurley has 28 years of legal experience.

 

“Joseph P. Hurley, III possesses years of experience in public service that make him a well-qualified candidate for the District Court,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I look forward to the Governor’s Council’s consideration of his nomination for this appointment.”

 

“I am pleased with the nomination of this distinguished candidate,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Attorney Hurley’s years of experience in both the public and private sectors and deep knowledge of the law will allow him to serve the Commonwealth with fairness.”

 

The District Court hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to five years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties; all misdemeanors; and all violations of city and town ordinances and by-laws. The District Court is located in 62 courts across the Commonwealth.

 

For more information about the District Court, visit their homepage.

 

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

 

About Joseph P. Hurley, III

 

Joseph P. Hurley, III began his law career as a law clerk with Hannon and Hurley in 1988, and later as an associate after receiving his law degree in 1991. Assistant Clerk  Hurley joined the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office as an Assistant District Attorney in 1993 before returning to Hannon and Hurley to resume his position as an associate from 1994 to 1996. He then joined the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds in 1996 as the Head Executive Assistant Register of Deeds. Since 1998, Assistant Clerk Hurley has served in his current position for the Norfolk Country Superior Court. He is very active in his community, both as a coach for Braintree Youth Lacrosse and as a volunteer for the Braintree Municipal Golf Course Special Needs Golf Program. Assistant Clerk Hurley is a member of both the Massachusetts and Norfolk County Bar Associations, serving as an officer in various roles for the latter, and is the Secretary of the Superior Court Clerks’ Association. Assistant Clerk Hurley received his Bachelor’s degree from Saint Michael’s College in 1983, and his Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School in 1991.