Today, Governor Maura T. Healey announced the nomination of three highly accomplished attorneys – Manisha Bhatt, Bernadette Stark, and Michelle A. Yee – for Probate and Family Court Justices. The nominations will now undergo consideration by the Governor’s Council for confirmation.
Governor Healey commended the nominees, stating, “These three attorneys have all shown a profound commitment to helping families and children over the course of their careers. Their work has come with the highest praise from colleagues across the state, and they each share an innate ability to navigate difficult cases with respect and consideration. We look forward to hearing from the Governor’s Council as they consider these nominations.”
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll echoed the sentiment, expressing excitement about the potential contributions of the nominees. “Governor Healey and I are thrilled to submit these three attorneys for consideration to the Governor’s Council,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “They would each make great additions to our Family and Probate Court, and we are grateful for the work of the Governor’s Council as they review these nominees.”
The Probate and Family Court Department, responsible for matters involving families and children, such as divorce, child support, and wills, aims to deliver timely justice with equal access. The mission is to provide a fair, equitable, and efficient forum for solving family and probate legal matters, ensuring the protection of all individuals, families, and children impartially and respectfully.
Earlier this year, Governor Healey recommended Stephanie L. Everett, Esq. as Suffolk Register of Probate and Family Court.
About the Nominees:
- Manisha Hemendra Bhatt: Attorney Bhatt has represented indigent clients in probate and family matters for the last 22 years at Greater Boston Legal Services. Her dedication to the South Asian legal community is evident through her leadership as President of the South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston. She played a pivotal role in the creation of the award-winning grassroots access to justice initiative, the “Know Your Rights” progra
- Bernadette Stark: Attorney Stark, with substantial probate and family court experience, has a broad background in civil litigation. Her commitment to access to justice for all earned her recognition, including the Senior Partners for Justice’s 2010 Gideon’s Trumpet Award. She brings significant lived experience, having grown up in a New York City neighborhood impacted by gang violence and drugs. Her dedication to helping families navigate the court system reflects her personal journey.
- Michelle A. Yee: Attorney Yee has been an integral part of the Probate and Family Court system for over 18 years. As the Senior Program Manager in the Administrative Office of the Probate and Family Court, she played a crucial role in implementing the Pathways Case Management Initiative across all 14 divisions of the court. Her extensive experience within the court system, combined with her background as the daughter of Filipino and Chinese immigrants, uniquely positions her to contribute to the court’s mission.
The Governor’s Council will review the nominations, and further updates will be provided as the confirmation process progresses.