Whitehead, Howard J. (retired)

Judicial Biography

Born:

Oct. 10, 1950, Melrose

Year admitted to bar:

1974

Year appointed/elected:

1993, by Gov. William F. Weld

Pet Peeves

Other than being well prepared, I look for the following attributes in an attorney appearing before me:

“Courtesy to all involved in the relevant proceeding.”

What displeases me the most is:

“Attorneys making personal attacks against each other.”

Background

Education:

Boston University School of Law, 1974
Yale University, 1971

Publications:

Author, “Juvenile Cases: What’s Different When the Alleged Offense is Murder,” in “Murder, Selected Prosecution and Defense Strategies,” MCLE (Jan. 9, 1993).

Professional

Legal Employment History:

Assistant district attorney, Essex County (1983-1993);
Assistant district attorney, Middlesex County (1978-1983);
Associate, Hutchins & Wheeler (1977-1978);
Assistant attorney general (1974-1977).

General Character of Law Practice Prior to Judgeship:

“Criminal trials.”

Civic and Community Activities

Honors:

“Prosecutor of the Year” designation by Parents of Murdered Children (1992).

Memberships/Affiliations:

Massachusetts Bar Association;
Essex County Bar Association;
Trinity Episcopal Church, Boston;
Saint Anne’s Episcopal Church, Kennebunkport, Maine.