Superior Court

Three Pemberton Square
Boston, MA 02108

Phone: (617) 788-8130

Judicial Biography

Born:

Aug. 15, 1942, Boston

Year admitted to bar:

1973

Year appointed/elected:

1992, by Gov. William F. Weld

Background

Education:

Suffolk University Law School, 1973
Regis College, 1965

Publications:

Assistant editor, monthly bulletins published by Quinlan Publishing Co. (1972-1982);
Editor and author of articles in Another Season, a newsletter for Maran Publishing Co.

Participation as a Faculty Member or Lecturer:

Instructor, New England School of Law (1975-1976).

Professional

Legal Employment History:

Sole practitioner (1978-1992);
Partner, Quinlan & Quinlan (1973-1978).

Civic and Community Activities

Memberships/Affiliations:

Massachusetts Bar Association;
Massachusetts Trial Lawyers Association (vice president, 1986-1987; president 1987-1988);
American Bar Association;
First Amendment Law Association;
Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph;
St. Mary Parish Council and Finance Committee;
The Maran Group;
Rosie’s Place Inc.;
Ruah, Inc.

Reported Decisions
Other Links

Evaluations from Lawyers

4 = Excellent 3 = Good 2 = Fair 1 = Poor

	rating	averages for judges of this court	averages of all judges
Manages court time in a way that minimizes waiting around:	4.0	3.2	3.0
Is receptive to requests for continuances:	0.0	2.9	2.9
Is receptive to lawyers’ requests for jury instructions and voir dire questions:	3.0	3.2	3.1
Presents easy-to-follow and legally sound instructions to jury:	3.0	3.3	3.2
Gives lawyers an opportunity to be heard prior to making legal findings and rulings:	3.2	3.2	3.1
Explains decisions in a manner that is clear to litigants and jurors:	4.0	3.2	3.0
Addresses the following with respect
a) litigants and witnesses:	3.8	3.4	3.2
b) lawyers:	3.0	3.2	3.0
c) court staff:	4.0	3.6	3.5
Attentiveness:	3.5	3.4	3.2
Timeliness of orders, judgments and decisions:	2.0	3.2	3.2
Demonstrates knowledge of substantive law and rules of evidence:	2.8	3.0	3.0
Quality of written decisions:	3.7	2.8	2.9
Shows willingness to ignore
a) irrelevant considerations:	2.5	3.0	2.9
c) identity of lawyers or parties:	3.0	3.3	3.0
d) public pressure or outside interests:	0.0	3.4	3.2
Has ability to maintain control of courtroom:	3.8	3.5	3.4
Starts session on schedule and on time:	4.0	3.4	3.2
Shows an appropriate degree of preparedness:	2.4	3.2	3.1
Average Overall Rating:	2.9	3.2	3.1

	% Yes Answer	averages for judges of this court	averages of all judges
Regularly keeps sessions past 4 p.m.:	0	23	26
Allows lawyers to lobby their cases in chambers:	0	47	47
Is rigid follower of court-mandated time standards:	0	39	45
Behaves differently when cameras are in the courtroom:	0	21	24

Comments

1) Be prepared as much as possible to do everything by the book.

2) Maintains order. Knows procedure and form very well. Suggest they took more time considering objections for the pro and con during trial.

3) Make sure she knows the basics and is familiar with the facts.

4) The one thing that I noticed is she did not seem to have read the filings before we appeared before her.

Judicial Profiles

Quinlan, Regina L. (Retired)