Judge Wolohojian, Assembly Intern Alum, Affirmed By Governor's Council for Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court

Judge Wolohojian

Photo credit: Chris Lisinski/SHNS

Assembly Co-Chair Anthony Barsamian Testifies in Support of Candidacy

Washington, D.C. - Judge Gabrielle Wolohojian was affirmed today by the Governor's Council for the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, a candidacy that was supported by Assembly Co-Chair Anthony Barsamian, who testified at the Massachusetts State House on February 21 in support of her candidacy to the state's highest appellate court.

Barsamian highlighted that Judge Wolohojian's pre-confirmation hearing was an "important day for Armenian Americans, not just because Justice Wolohojian is an amazing jurist, but because her character, her presence, and everything I’ve heard today, makes us proud," Barsamian said. "Genocide survivors…stand today and applaud you. And not left out are the next generation of young Armenian American women and other women who will see a justice who deserves this honor."

Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey stated that Judge Wolohojian has "distinguished herself as a fair-minded jurist" and "proven herself to be a person of wisdom and integrity, deeply committed to both the rule of law and the strengthening of our community.

Also speaking in support of Judge Wolohojian's candidacy was Sonya Nersessian, former Chair of the Armenian Bar Association, and Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian expressed that he was "very pleased" by Judge Wolohojian's nomination.

Judge Wolohojian, an alumna of the Assembly's Terjenian-Thomas Internship Program, spoke about the importance of Armenian American involvement in public service during the Assembly's tribute to Gail Talanian O'Reilly in Boston in 2022, and how her internship helped shape her career path. She encouraged young professionals to participate in the Assembly's Internship Programs to gain experience in the field in the nation's capital, and to see how government agencies function.

The granddaughter of Armenian Genocide survivors, Judge Wolohojian graduated from Columbia Law School and holds a doctor's degree in English language and literature from Oxford and a bachelor's in English from Rutgers. She became an associate at Hale & Dorr in 1991 and was made partner in 1997, prior to joining the Appeals Court as Associate Justice in 2008.

"Ensuring justice and serving society for the greater good is a life's calling which Justice Wolohojian embodies," said Assembly President Carolyn Mugar. "We celebrate her accomplishments and how she serves as a positive influence, particularly on the next generation of Armenian Americans."

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

###

NR# 2024-06