News & Events

Ken Pickering appointed to Merit Selection Panel for Two Federal Magistrate Judge Reappointments

07/19/2022

July 19, 2022 - Worcester, Massachusetts - Attorney Kenneth C. Pickering, chair of Mirick O'Connell's Business and General Litigation Group, has been appointed by the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts to a merit selection panel to participate in the reappointment processes for Magistrate Judge Katherine A. Robertson and Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell.  

The duties of a magistrate judge include, in criminal cases, the conduct of most preliminary proceedings, as well as trials and dispositions of misdemeanor offenses.  In civil cases, the duties encompass managing various pretrial matters, presiding over evidentiary proceedings on delegation from the district judges, and conducting trials upon the consent of the litigants.

In aid of its review and evaluation of the incumbent's performance in office, the Panel will consider comments from members of the bar and the public and any other evidence of the Judges' character, ability, fairness and commitment to equal justice.  The Panel will report their recommendations to the Court.

Click here to read the Public Notice.