Governor Healey Nominates Paul Anthony and Shelly-Ann Sankar to District Court

 Governor Healey Nominates Paul Anthony and Shelly-Ann Sankar to District Court  

 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today nominated Paul Anthony and Shelly-Ann Sankar to serve as Associate Justices of the District Court. The nominees will now be considered by the Governor’s Council for confirmation. 

“These two nominees will bring decades of legal experience to the bench, which will be crucial in informing their approach to these roles,” said Governor Maura Healey. “I am confident, if confirmed, that they will serve with fairness and integrity and will be strong additions to the District Court.” 

“I am excited to work with the Governor’s Council to advance both of these nominees, who bring strong judgment and proven experience to the bench,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.  

The District Court Department 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. In civil matters, the District Court hears cases in which the damages are not likely to be more than $50,000 and small claims cases up to $7,000. The District Court is located in 62 courts across the state. 

Governor Healey has already nominated 30 attorneys to the District Court: Heath Antonio,  Patrick Burke, Tonomey Coleman, Lisa Core, Frances Dallmeyer, Frederick DeCubellis, Brian Doxtader, Mark Fabiano, Leo Fama,  Lauren Greene, Stuart Hurowitz, Edward Kacasinas, Francis V. Kenneally, Sarah Kennedy, Edward Jr. Krippendorf, Cara Krysil, Courtney C. Linnehan, Hilary McCamic, Suzanne McDonough, Becky Michaels, Craig Mulcahey, Jerry Parisella, Polly Phillips, William Powers, Joanna Rodriguez,  Gegory Teran, Marjorie P. Tynes, Amanda Ward, Liza Williamson,and Hector Zumbado.  

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

 

About the Nominees: 

 

Paul J. Anthony is an experienced trial lawyer who has run a solo practice in Stoneham for nearly thirty years. His practice has focused on criminal defense, and he has represented clients in matters involving a wide range of misdemeanor and felony charges in both the District and Superior Courts. He also has experience litigating civil matters, including contract disputes and real estate transactions. Attorney Anthony has devoted a significant portion of his practice to the representation of clients on a pro bono basis and has been a member of the Suffolk Lawyers for Justice program since 1997. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Salem State University and a Juris Doctor from the Massachusetts School of Law. 

 

Shelly-Ann Sankar is currently the First Assistant Clerk Magistrate in the Springfield District Court where she is responsible for assisting in the ministerial and magisterial administration of the Court.  In this role, Attorney Sankar presides over small claims matters and show cause hearings, conducts administrative and motor vehicle appeals, and reviews search warrants and applications for complaints.  She previously served as the Assistant Clerk in Charge of Jury at the Springfield District Court, and she is cross-designated to handle matters in the Housing and Juvenile Courts. Previously, Attorney Sankar served as an Assistant District Attorney at the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office where she prosecuted a wide range of criminal cases in the Juvenile, District and Superior Courts. While attending law school she served as a Victim Witness Advocate in the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Westfield State University and a Juris Doctor from Western New England University.