BOSTON — Brian V. Sullivan of Swampscott has been nominated as clerk magistrate to the Lynn District Court.
In recommending the appointment, Gov. Charlie Baker said his nominee has lots of court experience.
A Chelsea native and Northeastern University graduate, Sullivan has spent more than three decades in the Massachusetts court system. He started his career as a probation officer in Chelsea District Court where he later became clerk magistrate.
Since last year, he has served as the temporary clerk magistrate of the Cambridge District Court.
“Brian Sullivan’s experience presiding over a variety of courtroom matters and assisting the public will allow him to serve Lynn’s busy court well,” said Baker in a statement.
In an interview with the Item, Sullivan, 60, said he’s looking forward to the confirmation process and working with the people of Lynn.
“I started as a probation officer at a time when 85 percent of the folks who came through the door had a drug problem,” he said. “Today, it’s in the high 90s. The governor and his team are trying to tackle an opioid crisis that is crippling the country and I’m looking forward to taking my knowledge and years of experience to be part of the solution.”
Judicial nominations must be approved by the Governor’s Council, which includes eight elected members from districts, and the lieutenant governor. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor.
The JNC is a non-partisan panel established by Baker which includes 21 volunteers appointed by the governor. Their mission is to seek applicants who possess the temperament, ability, and integrity to impartially interpret the law and administer justice.
Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said she’s confident Sullivan’s courtroom experience will serve all parties who appear in the Lynn District Court.
The post became available with the retirement of Jane Brady Stirgwolt. The hearing on the nomination is scheduled for next week and the job would start in January.
The District Court hears a range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, and mental health cases. Its jurisdiction extends to crimes punishable by a sentence up to five years in jail, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties; misdemeanors; and violations of city and town ordinances.