MACDL is the pre-eminent Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Massachusetts. We are an affiliate of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. MACDL is formed exclusively for charitable, scientific and educational purposes which include, but are not limited to, the following purposes:
- To provide support for criminal defense lawyers in the practice of their craft, including, but not limited to, a strike force, amicus briefs, and other services which will improve the quality of representation of the accused;
- To protect the individual rights of the citizens of the Commonwealth as guaranteed by the Declaration of Rights of the Massachusetts Constitution and the United States Constitution, including, most particularly, the right to counsel;
- To promote the exchange of experience, legal precedent, and research among criminal defense lawyers throughout the Commonwealth;
To enlighten the public about the legitimate role of criminal defense lawyers in society; - To maintain the integrity and independence of criminal defense lawyers;
- To preserve the adversary system of justice;
- To coordinate efforts with national and local bar associations that are concerned with criminal justice.
MACDL Officers and Directors 2019-2020
Officers
President: Victoria Kelleher
President-Elect: John Amabile
Immediate Past President: Derege Demissie
Vice-President: Shira Diner
Clerk: Laura Mannion
Treasurer: Brian E. Murphy
Board of Directors
John H. Cunha, Jr. (past president)
Anne C. Goldbach (past president)
Michael Hussey (past president)
Elizabeth A. Lunt (past president)
Charles McGinty (past president)
Max Stern (past president)
Following is a list of MACDL committees and their chairpersons. Some of the committees are welcoming new members. If you are a member in good standing and are willing to commit some of your time to service on a committee, contact the committee chair.
Amicus Curiae CommitteeChauncey Wood and David Rangaviz, Co-Chairs
Communications and Social Media Committee
Ruth O’Meara-Costello, Chair
Continuing Legal Education and Training Programs Committee
Victoria Bonilla and Aviva Jeruchim, Co-Chairs
Federal Practice Committee
Jane Peachy and William Fick, Co-Chairs
Lawyers Assistance Strike Force Committee and
Witness Advocacy and Representation Network (WARN) Committee
Eduardo Masferrer and John Swomley, Co-Chairs
Legislation Committee
Marissa Elkins and Austin Tzeng, Co-Chairs
Membership Committee
Christian Williams and Emily Shulman, Co-Chairs
New Lawyer Subcommittee
Ambar Maceo, Chair
Press/Editorial Committee
Jamie Sultan and Eric Tennen, Co-Chairs
Racial Justice Committee
Mona Igram and Howard Cooper, Co-Chairs
Rules Committee
Luke Ryan, Chair
Events and Awards Coordinator
Christine Sunnerberg