SJC transformation complete; Georges named to bench
The Governor’s Council capped a series of historic appointments to the state’s highest court with a unanimous confirmation of Boston Municipal Court Judge Serge Georges Jr., who councilors called the “perfect fit” to round out the reshaping of the court.
“He brings a breadth of experience and being someone who grew up in the inner city and a person of color, he brings something great to the court. I think he rounds out the court perfectly,” Councilor Joseph Ferreira said.
“He’s the perfect fit,” Ferreira continued.
Governor’s councilors accepted Georges’ nomination in a 7-0 vote on Wednesday morning.
Georges is the last in a series of nominees that have reshaped and diversified the Supreme Judicial Court following the sudden death of former Chief Justice Ralph Gants to a heart attack in September.
The council last month unanimously confirmed SJC Justice Kimberly Budd to serve as the court’s new chief justice and confirmed another Baker nominee, Dalila Argaez Wendlandt, to serve as an associate justice to replace retiring Justice Barbara Lenk.
Budd is the first black woman to lead the high court and Wendlandt is its first Latina.
“I want to congratulate you and the governor for all three nominees. You hit a home run,” Councilor Terrence Kennedy told Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, who leads the council.
Georges, a Dorchester native and the son of Haitian immigrants who has led an esteemed and varied legal career, brings his own unique experience to the bench.
During his nomination hearing last week, Gov. Charlie Baker said the 50year-old judge is young, but he has “packed an enormous amount of professional experience into his career.”
Councilor Robert Jubinville pointed out the Georges “may be the only person ever” to be nominated from a district court.
“I think it should be encouraged to look deeper into our court system for these types of people who … know what it’s all about,” Jubinville said.
‘Being someone who grew up in the inner city and a person of color, he brings something great to the court.’
JOSEPH FERREIRA Governor’s Councilor