Chief Justice John D. Casey Named 2025 Great Friend of Justice

Each year, the Massachusetts Bar Foundation (MBF) presents the Great Friend of Justice Award, which recognizes remarkable individuals who embody the MBF’s mission of advancing access to justice for all. Recent recipients include Hon. Edward M. Ginsburg, Massachusetts Probate and Family Court (presented posthumously); Hon. Geraldine S. Hines, Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court; Dr. Jim O’Connell, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program; then-Attorney General, now Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey; and Attorney Susan M. Finegan of Mintz.

This year, Chief Justice John D. Casey of the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court will join these accomplished honorees, receiving the award on March 11. A graduate of Bates College and Suffolk University Law School, Chief Justice Casey was admitted to the bar in 1982. He has served on the Probate and Family Court since 2006, becoming Chief Justice in 2018. Throughout his career, he has remained steadfast in his commitment to equity, justice, and service to the people of Massachusetts.

As a public servant for decades, Chief Justice Casey has witnessed firsthand how the justice gap places legal assistance out of reach for many in Massachusetts, and he has dedicated his career to addressing this inequity. His role as Chief Justice has only deepened his awareness of the challenges across the Commonwealth as he has traveled to every division of the Probate and Family Court. “There are multiple areas where available legal resources are insufficient to adequately address the needs of the community,” Chief Justice Casey said. “We must increase the compensation for attorneys working state paid cases and in roles such as Guardian ad Litem.”

Chief Justice Casey has spent his career uplifting his community and making justice more accessible for those he serves. Thanks to his leadership and the efforts of his team, the Probate and Family Court now operates more efficiently, with reduced wait time for cases to be heard and decisions to be completed.

One key improvement is increased access to remote participation in hearings. Certain case types are now conducted fully remotely, eliminating common obstacles. “These individuals no longer have to take time off from work, obtain childcare, deal with transportation issues, and sit in a courthouse for many hours,” the Chief Justice said, referring to those involved in paternity and child support matters.

Additionally, Chief Justice Casey’s team has successfully advocated for the creation of eight new statutory judicial positions, further expanding the Court’s capacity to swiftly hear cases.

Reflecting on his tenure, the Chief Justice remarked, “I believe my team has implemented significant changes which will allow the Probate and Family Court to better serve the community for decades to come.”

Not only has Chief Justice Casey left his mark on the court system, but he has also left his mark on the MBF. As a long-time member of the Foundation’s Society of Fellows and volunteer for its grant review process, the 2025 awardee is well acquainted with the MBF’s philanthropic community.

When asked how he became involved with the Foundation, Chief Justice Casey credited his father, the late Hon. Edward F. Casey, as his inspiration.

“My father had a solo practice for decades before becoming an associate justice and then First Justice in the Probate and Family Court,” Chief Justice Casey said. “He encouraged me and my sibling attorneys to become active in local, county, and state bar associations. By doing so, I met lawyers from across the Commonwealth who shared similar values and qualities and reinforced for me that we were united in our profession. We understood that continuing legal education was critical to maintaining a high level of competency and that we needed to give back to our communities.”

As a Fellow of the MBF since 1995, Chief Justice Casey has embraced his father’s guidance, supporting the Foundation’s efforts to dismantle barriers to justice.

The Chief Justice continued, “Getting involved in the MBF allowed me to donate my time, learn about various legal service providers in different subject matters, and work on grant committees to prioritize those programs and recommend levels of funding.” Of his time participating in the MBF’s spring grant process, he said, “I have been inspired by so many attorneys and judges who volunteer to serve on grant review committees and help us improve access to justice to those most in need of assistance.”

Chief Justice Casey’s work with the MBF to support legal needs outside of his own practice area reflects his profound dedication to justice for all. The Massachusetts Bar Foundation is pleased to recognize him as the 2025 Great Friend of Justice.

“It is humbling to think that the Board of the MBF would recognize me for this Award,” Chief Justice Casey said. “I accept this award with humility and an acknowledgment that none of what has been accomplished would have been done without my leadership team of Deputy Court Administrator Dom DiCenso, Managing Attorney Diane Beswick, and our dedicated staff.”

“The greatness of our justice system can only be measured by our ability to provide equal access to justice for everyone,” he continued. “Every person employed by the Trial Court works each day to ensure that justice is delivered, but there are many individuals who face innumerable challenges. The MBF has been a leader in helping to fund programs which help overcome these barriers and allow for access to justice.”

Join the MBF community in celebrating Chief Justice Casey at the 2025 Annual Meeting on March 11.