The following is a press release from the Governor’s office submitted to SOURCE media.

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BOSTON – Today, Jan. 13, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced the appointment of Kristen Buxton as Associate Judge of the Superior Court. Lawyer Buxton has over 24 years of experience in the legal field and has served since 1996 as Deputy Prosecutor in the Essex County Attorney’s Office.

“Lawyer Buxton’s decades of experience in district and superior courts have prepared her well for the role of associate judge of the Superior Court,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am pleased to submit this candidate to the Governor’s Council for advice and consent. “

“For more than 24 years as a prosecutor, lawyer Buxton has demonstrated her commitment to justice and public service,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “If this is confirmed, I have no doubts that she will continue to serve the Commonwealth well as an Associate Judge of the Superior Court.”

The Superior Court, the trial court of general jurisdiction for Massachusetts, is committed to delivering high quality justice in a timely and fair manner, consistent with the rule of law. The Court’s 82 judges sit in 20 courthouses in the 14 counties of the Commonwealth.

The Superior Court has jurisdiction at first instance in civil actions over $ 25,000 and in cases where equitable relief is sought. He also has initial jurisdiction in actions, including labor disputes where an injunction is sought, exclusive power to summon courts for medical malpractice, appellate jurisdiction for certain administrative proceedings and may hold naturalization hearings. in any city or town.

The Superior Court also has exclusive jurisdiction at first instance for first degree murder cases and at trial for all other crimes.

If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, Attorney Buxton will take the seat vacated by the Honorable Thomas A. Connors.

Judicial appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council.

Buxton began her legal career in 1996 as a Deputy District Attorney for the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, where she served as a prosecutor for over 24 years in various roles.

From 1996 to 2000, attorney Buxton pursued cases in Lynn District Court relating to misdemeanors and felonies, including domestic violence, theft and exploitation under the influence. From January 2000 to October of the same year, she also served as Lynn District Court Supervisor, before moving on to prosecute cases in Superior Court.

For nearly 19 years in this position, attorney Buxton has prosecuted cases involving major crimes, including murder, rape and sexual assault, gun violation, theft and assault. Since 2019, she has served as the Chief Homicide Prosecutor for the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, overseeing homicide investigations and prosecutions, as well as the training of prosecutors and investigators on homicide-related issues.

Lawyer Buxton is also a member of the Essex County Bar Association and was inducted in September 2020 as a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers. She received her JD from Tulane Law School and her BA from Colgate University.