Attorney Sherwin Argues Foreclosure Appeal Before Massachusetts’s Supreme Judicial Court

I had the honor of arguing before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (“SJC”) this week on a foreclosure appeal.  The SJC is Massachusetts’s highest court and the final decision maker on Massachusetts law.  The SJC often takes cases where the law in a particular area is uncertain.  In recent years, the SJC has heard an increasing number of foreclosure cases, which shows that this area of law continues to evolve.

My appeal concerned whether G.L. c. 244, § 15A, a law requiring a mortgagee to inform a local municipality about a foreclosure sale thirty days after it happened, is a requirement of the foreclosure process.  Different courts across Massachusetts have taken different positions on this, making this a matter that the SJC needs to resolve.  Click here to watch the oral argument.

My experience before the SJC reminded me of the importance of having an attorney who knows and understands the process of pursuing an appeal.  A appeal is a review of a case that was heard before a trial judge or jury; the appellate judges do not hear the testimony of witnesses or review evidence, and are limited to reviewing the entire record presented in the lower court.  A foreclosure appeal is a particular challenge to bring: foreclosure law constantly changes, and a successful appeal requires knowing and understanding the most recent changes in the law.  My appeal will likely be decided in the next three to four months, stay tuned!

I was deeply humbled by my appearance before the SJC.  With the recent election forcing many Americans to look closely at our form of government, I had a chance to see Massachusetts’s highest court up close.  I many not always agree with the SJC’s decisions, but I can’t doubt the Court’s sincerity and devotion to the “rule of law” in our state.  I’m proud to be a Massachusetts attorney and look forward to continuing my practice in this great state.

If you are in need of an appellate attorney, contact me for a consultation.  The importance of having an experienced appellate attorney on your side can be the difference between winning or losing your case.