Priscilla for Probate

Would you hire a lawyer if you didn't need one?

Would you hire a lawyer if you didn't need one? I ask that question because, in the race for Register of Probate, that is exactly what my opponent is asking you to do.

There are fourteen counties in Massachusetts. That means there are fourteen Registers of Probate. Eight of the current fourteen, more than half, are NOT lawyers. The president of the registers association, elected by his fellow registers, is NOT a lawyer. Dukes and Nantucket County Registers of Probate are NOT lawyers and do NOT have a lawyer on their staff. With no lawyer on staff, those Registers fulfill all the same duties as all other Registers of Probate.

The Register of Probate, if it happens to be a lawyer, is prohibited from the practice of law. See Rule 3:02 of the Rules of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. http://www.massreports.com/courtrules/sjcrules.htm#3:02

Rule 3:02. Administration of Justice.

(2) All clerks of court, registers of probate, the recorder of the Land Court and their assistants and employees in their offices are prohibited from engaging in the practice of law during the time they hold such office or employment.

The Register of Probate does NOT act as ‘in-house legal counsel' as has been suggested by my opponent. To perform in that capacity, would be a violation of the Rules of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.

This is an administrative position. Over 27 years experience in the court, working my way through the ranks from entry level to promotion as Assistant Register of Probate in 1994, give me the unique insight to effectively and responsibly administer the Registry of Probate.

I have been endorsed by court personnel including many of whom have worked with both my opponent and me. They know that I am the better candidate to lead the Barnstable Registry of Probate. Those endorsements include:

Current Register of Probate Sylvia Howard
Probate and Family Court Justice George Asack, Retired
Probate and Family Court Chief Probation Officer Charles LoGiudice, Retired
Assistant Register of Probate Mildred Benjamin Shealey, Retired
Assistant Register of Probate Dayle Hoxie, Retired

For a complete list of endorsements, please visit my web site. www.electpriscillayoung.com