New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Governor Charlie Baker nominated State Representative Shelia C. Harrington as Clerk Magistrate of the Gardner District Court. Representative Harrington has 35 years of legal experience.
“The many years of legal experience and time in public service that Rep. Harrington will bring to the District Court make her a well-qualified candidate,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I look forward to the Governor’s Council’s consideration of her nomination for this appointment.”
“I am pleased with the nomination of this distinguished attorney,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “If confirmed, I am confident that Rep. Harrington’s skills and knowledge will allow her to continue to serve the public effectively in this new position.”
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.
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 State Representative Shelia C. Harrington
State Representative Shelia C. Harrington began her law career in 1985 when she joined the law firm of Sullivan, Limone, Clark and Waystack as a law clerk and associate. From 1987 to 1991 she worked in various roles at Traveler’s Insurance Companies, after which she left to become an associate at Robert F. Casey Jr, P.C. Rep. Harrington then joined the Law Offices of George F. Watts in 1992 as an associate.
After stints as a partner at Casey & Harrington and Alter & Harrington from 1995 to 2000, she established the Law Office of Shelia C. Harrington in 2000, where she currently practices. Rep. Harrington currently serves as State Representative for the 1st Middlesex District, a position she was first elected to in 2011.
Outside of the law, Rep. Harrington has been involved in both the Girl Scouts and the Boy Scouts for many years, as well as supporting Operation Patriot Pride, a charity helping service men and women stay connected with their families while on deployment. She also is a supporter of Toys for Tots. Rep. Harrington received her Bachelor’s degree from Providence College in 1982, and her Juris doctorate from New England School of Law in 1985.
