Leighton, Joseph F. Jr.

Judicial Biography

Born:

Boston

Year admitted to bar:

1985

Year appointed/elected:

2016, by Gov. Charlie Baker

Bench Service:

Superior Court, 2016-

Background

Education:

Boston College Law School, cum laude, 1985

North Adams State College, magna cum laude, 1981

Professional

Legal Employment History:

Partner at Wilson, Edelman & Dicker, LLP continuing his litigation/trial practice, 2002-2016

Senior Trial Counsel at Kenner, Engelberg, DaDalt & Bratcher, 2000-2002

Civil litigating partner at Vena & Riley, LLP, 1996-2000

Started at Parker, Coulter, Daley & White in Boston, in 1988; become a partner in 1994, where he tried many product, professional and general liability cases, almost all to juries.

General Character of Law Practice Prior to Judgeship:

Over the course of his career, Leighton has practiced almost exclusively in the Massachusetts Superior Court, including defending product manufacturers, distributors and retailers, as well as and property owners, contractors and professionals with an emphasis on trial work.