The Honorable Ralph D. Gants, an Associate Justice of Massachusetts' Supreme
Judicial Court and Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission,
will receive a Citation of Judicial Excellence when the Boston Bar Association
(BBA) convenes its Annual Law Day Dinner on the evening of May 17 at the Seaport
World Trade Center.
"In his leadership role on the Access to Justice Commission,
Justice Gants has demonstrated extraordinary energy and creativity in pursuing
fresh ideas and new initiatives to enhance meaningful access to justice for
all," said BBA President Lisa C. Goodheart in announcing the award on behalf of
the BBA. "His zeal for the essential work of promoting justice is truly
remarkable, and he has distinguished himself as a driving force for the
development of better and broader ways to deliver justice and protect
fundamental rights."
Known for going out into the community to teach people about the
Massachusetts courts and the practical role that they play in our lives, Justice
Gants cares deeply about ensuring that the justice system works for
everyone. He has actively worked to leverage limited resources wisely and
to inspire the commitment of new resources to promote that goal.
Since going onto the bench as a Superior Court Judge in 1997, Justice
Gants has earned a reputation for scrupulous analytic rigor, intellectual
honesty and fairness. Prior to his elevation to the SJC, he was a strong leader
of the Business Litigation Session, and throughout his judicial career, he has
consistently shown a laser like ability to focus on the core issues in even the
most complex of cases. He neither shies away from nor glosses over the
most difficult issues, but rather grapples with them openly.
Lawyers who have observed Justice Gants since he was elevated to the
Supreme Judicial Court in 2009 admire his probing questions and his written
opinions, which are notable for their clarity, precision and vigorous writing
style.