Gabrielle R. Wolohojian is an American lawyer who serves as an associate justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.[1] She previously served as an associate justice of the Massachusetts Appeals Court.

Gabrielle Wolohojian
Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
Assumed office
April 22, 2024
Appointed byMaura Healey
Preceded byDavid A. Lowy
Personal details
Born (1960-12-16) December 16, 1960 (age 63)
EducationRutgers University (BA)
Hertford College, Oxford (DPhil)
Columbia University (JD)

Early life and career

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The granddaughter of Armenian immigrants, Wolohojian graduated from Rutgers University in 1982, where she majored in English. She earned a doctorate in English language and literature from the University of Oxford in 1987.[2] She graduated from Columbia Law School with a Juris Doctor in 1989, where she served as an editor of the Columbia Law Review. After graduating from law school, she clerked for Judge Rya W. Zobel of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts and Judge Bailey Aldrich of the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. She then entered private practice, joining the firm that would become WilmerHale, where she was elected a partner.[3]

In 1994, Wolohojian left private practice for 16 months to serve as an associate independent counsel on the investigation of Jim Guy Tucker, the former governor of Arkansas. She worked under Independent Counsel Robert B. Fiske.[4]

Judicial career

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On November 14, 2007, Governor Deval Patrick nominated Wolohojian to the appeals court to fill the seat left vacant by the retirement of Associate Justice Kenneth Laurence. After being confirmed by the Governor's Council, she took the oath of office on February 7, 2008.[citation needed] On February 7, 2024, Governor Maura Healey nominated her to serve as an associate justice on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.[5][6] She was confirmed by the Governor's Council on February 28, 2024.[7]

Personal life

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Wolohojian previously had a long-term romantic relationship with Maura Healey, who has served as the governor of Massachusetts since 2023.[5]

As of 2022, she performs with the Boston Civic Symphony.[3]

References

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  1. ^ Doran, Sam (April 22, 2024). "Wolohojian sworn in as Mass. Supreme Judicial Court justice". WBTS-CD.
  2. ^ Dumcius, Gintautas (November 28, 2007). "Cambridge resident, described as a perfectionist, in line for appeals court post". Cambridge Chronicle. Archived from the original on December 16, 2013. Retrieved December 16, 2013.
  3. ^ a b "Associate Justice Gabrielle R. Wolohojian". Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Archived from the original on April 25, 2022. Retrieved July 23, 2022.
  4. ^ "Governor Patrick Nominates Three Distinguished Candidates to the Appeals Court". Office of the Governor of Massachusetts. November 14, 2007. Archived from the original on December 16, 2013. Retrieved December 16, 2013.
  5. ^ a b Leblanc, Steve (February 7, 2024). "Massachusetts governor nominates former romantic partner to state's highest court". AP News. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
  6. ^ Van Buskirk, Chris (February 7, 2024). "Healey nominates ex-partner Gabrielle Wolohojian to serve on Supreme Judicial Court". Boston Herald.
  7. ^ LeBlanc, Steve (February 28, 2024). "Ex-romantic partner of Massachusetts governor wins council OK to serve on state's highest court". Associated Press.
Legal offices
Preceded by Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
2024–present
Incumbent