New Bedford’s Kimberly Moses Smith nominated as Associate Justice of the Probate and Family Court

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Today, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Kimberly Moses Smith as Associate Justice of the Probate and Family Court. Attorney Moses Smith has nearly 25 years of legal experience.

“The wide variety of cases that Attorney Moses Smith has tried over her decades practicing family law have prepared her well to serve as an Associate Justice of the Probate and Family Court,​” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am pleased to submit this qualified candidate to the Governor’s Council for their advice and consent.”

“Throughout her career, Attorney Moses Smith has demonstrated a commitment to her community and the families of the Commonwealth,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.​ “If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, I am confident that she will continue to serve the Commonwealth as an Associate Justice of the Probate and Family Court.”

The Probate and Family Court Department has jurisdiction over family-related and probate matters such as divorce, paternity, child support, custody, parenting time, adoption, termination of parental rights, abuse prevention and wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and changes of name. The Probate and Family Court has over 40 judges, including Chief Justice John D. Casey. If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, Attorney Moses Smith will fill the seat vacated by the Honorable Peter Smola.

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 Kimberly Moses Smith

Kimberly Moses Smith began her legal career ​in 1996, when she opened The Law Firm of Kimberly Moses Smith in New Bedford. In her solo practice, Attorney Moses Smith concentrated on domestic relations matters as well as civil litigation and criminal defense, arguing cases before the Probate and Family Court and the District Court. In 2001, she joined Moses Smith, Markey & Walsh, LLC in New Bedford as a Managing Partner. There, she has continued to argue cases before the District, Superior, and Probate and Family Courts, handling a wide range of matters including divorce and custody, guardianships and conservatorships, and estate related matters. Since 2012, Attorney Moses Smith has served as a Board Member and President of both the Bristol County Bar Association and the New Bedford Bar Association. She is an active member of her community, serving since 1999 on the Board of the Russell Mills Historic District Commission and from 2005 until 2008 as a member of the Dartmouth Zoning Board of Appeals. Attorney Moses Smith earned her Juris Doctorate from New England Law – Boston, and her Bachelor’s Degree from Providence College.

About Michael Silvia

Served 20 years in the United States Air Force. Owner of New Bedford Guide.

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2 comments

  1. This is great news! Maura Tierney and her partner in crime judge Peter Smola have been ripping apart families in this community ever since she lobbied for him to be a judge on or about the date of august 17th, 2013. Maura Tierney not only lobbied for him to be a judge but was also his substance abuse sponsor. Although it was completely unethical for a attorney who tries cases in front of a judge that she lobbied for and who has a personal and deeply emotional relationship with as HIS substance abuse sponsor, was still allowed to be in the same court room but it was. In summery, not matter what facts were brought in front of the court, you could be assured that with that duo in the same court room together, the opposing side would be taking an unjustified beating beyond measures. This move is good for the city although Tierney’s spots will never change and she will forever break up families when ever she has the opportunity to do so. Smola will go down in history as the judge who stooped as low as Tierney could go and that is rock bottom low. Peter Berthiaume

  2. She only received this nomination (and her career in law in general) due to the fact that that her father was a judge. Nepotism at its finest. Having the unfortunate experience of being on the opposing side of this woman during a divorce case, I can say firsthand that she is manipulative, condescending, and uses intimidation tactics to plead her side’s case. Another loss for the state of MA.

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