WEXLER, JAMES H.

Judicial Biography

Born:

Jan. 17, 1948, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Year admitted to bar:

1973

Year appointed/elected:

1994, by Gov. William F. Weld

Pet Peeves

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

• Serve all papers prior to hearing on opposing counsel.
• Be respectful to opposing counsel as to court staff.
• Appreciate the importance of the proceedings to all persons, no matter how small the amount in the controversy or the nature of the subject.

As for common courtroom mistakes, Judge Wexler commonly sees lawyers who:

• Do not know the rules of evidence.
• Have not looked at the [file] until the case is called.
• Cannot answer the questions: ‘What should the court do today and why?'”

What displeases me the most is:

• Lawyers who have not spoken to their clients prior to hearings on criminal cases.
• Lawyers who have not made efforts to narrow the scope of the dispute.
• Lawyers who are not prepared to address the legal authority for their position.
• Lawyers who are not respectful to opposing counsel.

Background

Education:

Harvard Graduate School of Education;
Harvard Law School
Columbia University School of Law, 1973
University of Wisconsin, 1968

Participation as a Faculty Member or Lecturer:

Adjunct Faculty, New England School of Law;
Adjunct Faculty, Boston University School of Management

Professional

Legal Employment History:

Partner, Kotin, Crabtree & Strong, Boston (1986-1994);
Associate, Lahive & Cockfield, Boston (1985-1986);
Associate, Herrick & Smith (1980-1985);
Senior attorney, Greater Boston Legal Services (1978-1980);
Clinical instructor, Boston University School of Law (1975-1978);
Staff attorney, Boston Legal Assistance Project (1974-1975);
VISTA attorney, Boston Legal Assistance Project (1973-1974).

Civic and Community Activities

Memberships/Affiliations:

Board of Bar Overseers, Hearing Committee (1986-1992).