2025 News UMass Law: Justice Serge Georges Jr. to deliver UMass Law commencement address

Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Justice to speak on May 16 ceremony

Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Justice Serge Georges Jr. will deliver the commencement address at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth's School of Law graduation ceremony on Friday, May 16 at 3:30pm.

Appointed to the state's highest appellate court in 2020 by Governor Charlie Baker, Justice Georges is one of seven Justices serving on the Commonwealth's Supreme Judicial Court. The court hears appeals on a wide range of civil and criminal cases and issues written opinions that help shape Massachusetts law.

In addition to his judicial duties, Justice Georges is committed to legal education. He serves as an adjunct professor at both Suffolk University Law School and UMass Law, where he teaches Evidence, Professional Responsibility, and Trial Advocacy. He is also a frequent speaker at continuing legal education programs and bar association events.

"Justice Georges is a shining example of integrity, service, and excellence in the legal profession," said UMass Law Dean Sam Panarella. "Our students will benefit tremendously from hearing his insights and experiences as they begin their own legal careers."

"Justice Georges is a shining example of integrity, service, and excellence in the legal profession. Our students will benefit tremendously from hearing his insights and experiences as they begin their own legal careers."

Justice Georges began his legal career as a litigation associate at Rackemann, Sawyer & Brewster, P.C. and Todd & Weld LLP. In 2007, he joined the firm of Barron & Stadfeld, P.C., where he later became a partner. His practice focused on commercial litigation and criminal defense in both state and federal courts.

In 2013, Governor Deval Patrick appointed him as an Associate Justice of the Boston Municipal Court, where he served for seven years before his elevation to the Supreme Judicial Court.

Class of 2025: A legacy of service and excellence

UMass Law's commencement ceremony will be held in UMass Dartmouth's main campus auditorium. Graduates and their guests may arrive and check in at 2:30pm.

The Class of 2025 has distinguished itself through a steadfast commitment to public service and academic excellence. Upon entering law school, they set a new benchmark with the highest median LSAT scores and undergraduate GPAs in the school's history.

A class of firsts, they helped launch new legal clinics, student organizations, and study abroad programs, and played a key role in the school reaching its milestone of 250,000 hours of public service.