The legal community mourns the loss of former Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Herbert P. Wilkins, who passed away on May 27. A distinguished jurist and devoted public servant, Wilkins’ career left an enduring mark on the judiciary in Massachusetts. An emeritus member of ALI’s Council, Justice Wilkins was elected to The American Law Institute in 1967 and to its Council in 1981.
"The Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court are saddened by the passing of Chief Justice Herbert P. Wilkins who died on May 27," read an official statement issued by the court. "Appointed in 1972, Justice Wilkins served on the Supreme Judicial Court with great distinction for almost three decades. He was appointed Chief Justice in 1996 and served in that role until his retirement in 1999. As a jurist, he was known for his incisive rulings and meticulous attention to detail. His respectful and polite demeanor on and off the bench earned him the respect and admiration of all who worked with him. The people of the Commonwealth are fortunate that a person of his intellect, dignity and commitment to justice was willing to devote his talents in their service. The Justices and staff of the Supreme Judicial Court offer their deep condolences to the Wilkins family."
Wilkins was appointed to the state’s highest court by Governor Francis W. Sargent in 1972 and went on to serve for nearly four decades, ascending to the role of Chief Justice in 1996 by appointment of Governor William F. Weld. His contributions extended beyond the courtroom; he chaired the SJC Rules Committee and played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Board of Bar Overseers and the Rules of Professional Conduct, reforms that have had a lasting influence on legal ethics and accountability in the Commonwealth.
Before joining the bench, Wilkins practiced law with the Boston firm of Palmer & Dodge, where he rose from associate to partner over the course of nearly two decades. He also served as town counsel for Acton and Concord and was a member of the Concord Board of Selectmen, acting as its chairman from 1960 to 1966.
Even after retiring from the judiciary in 1999, Wilkins remained committed to the development of future legal minds, serving as a visiting professor at Boston College Law School for 15 years.
His dedication to public service ran deep in his family. His father, Raymond S. Wilkins, also served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court from 1956 to 1970. His son, Douglas H. Wilkins, continued the family legacy as a judge on the Superior Court from 2010 until 2023.
Chief Justice Herbert P. Wilkins will be remembered not only for his judicial acumen but also for his humility, civility, and profound sense of justice. His legacy will endure in the institutions he helped shape and in the many lives he touched through his service.