Randy Chapman, the well-known criminal defense attorney, has been nominated by the governor to serve as a judge in Salem District Court.
The 56-year-old Swampscott resident, a former president of the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, has more than three decades experience, both as a prosecutor in the Essex County District Attorney’s Office and as a criminal defense attorney.
“Attorney Chapman is a well-respected and talented member of the bar with strong criminal defense experience,” said Gov. Charlie Baker in a statement. “I am pleased to submit his name for the Governor’s Council’s advice and consent, and believe he will be an asset to the quality of justice in the commonwealth.”
Chapman graduated cum laude from Suffolk University Law School in 1986. Since 1991, Chapman has been a partner in the law firm of Chapman and Chapman P.C. with offices in Chelsea and Salem. He began his legal career in 1986 as an assistant DA.
Chapman was nominated for the seat vacated by the death of Judge Michael Lauranzano in 2015, who served for 16 years after being nominated by the late Gov. A. Paul Cellucci.
Judicial nominees must be approved by the Governor’s Council.
