On November 17, the Flaschner Judicial Institute posthumously honored the late Hon. Paul A. Chernoff for his extraordinary service in retirement, presenting him with the second Hon. Edward M. Ginsburg Award for Distinguished Public Service at the Social Law Library in Boston. Established in 2024, this award recognizes retired Massachusetts judges who generously volunteer their time and expertise to advance the administration of justice. Judge Chernoff’s wife, Lynn, and son, Steven, accepted the award on his behalf.
Speakers at the event included: Hon. Julie J. Bernard (Ret.), Flaschner’s CEO; Retired Superior Court Judge Paul D. Wilson, who nominated Judge Chernoff; Hon. Jennifer L. Ginsburg; and Steven Chernoff.
The award is named for Judge Edward M. Ginsburg, a founding Trustee of the Flaschner Judicial Institute and the driving force behind Senior Partners for Justice, a network of more than 1,000 volunteer attorneys and judges dedicated to increasing access to legal services.
Judge Chernoff’s career in public service was long and distinguished. He served as Chair of the Parole Board, spent eight years on the Newton District Court, more than two decades on the Superior Court, and three additional years as a recall judge. In retirement, he continued his commitment to the Commonwealth as a Parole Board hearing officer.
His volunteer efforts left a lasting mark on the legal community. He mediated civil cases, mentored judges, educated attorneys, and provided pro bono representation through Veterans Legal Services, among many other community-based contributions.
Judge Chernoff also authored three essay collections, Bench Notes: A Judge’s Reflections for His Grandchildren, offering humorous, insightful, and ethically rich stories drawn from more than 36 years on the bench.
Members of the EMG Award Selection Committee were: Hon. Jennifer L. Ginsburg (Chair), Hon. Julie J. Bernard (Ret.), Hon. John C. Cratsley (Ret.), Hon. Paul C. Dawley (Ret.), Hon. Wilbur P. Edwards, Jr. (Ret.), Hon. Gail Garinger (Ret.), Hon. David G. Sacks (Ret.), Hon. Mary Anne Sahagian (Ret.), Hon. Karyn F. Scheier (Ret.), and Hon. Richard A. Simons.
