Boston - On March 6, 2025, Governor Maura Healey announced the nomination of John J. Stocks to serve as the Clerk Magistrate of the Springfield District Court. Attorney Stocks has worked for the Springfield District Court for over three decades and was appointed as Acting Clerk Magistrate by Chief Justice Stacey Fortes in 2023.  He will now be considered by the Governor’s Council for confirmation.

“With over 30 years of experience in the Springfield District Court, Attorney Stocks is uniquely equipped to take on this role that is essential to ensuring the Court can uphold the rule of law and deliver justice,” said Governor Maura Healey. “For the last few years, Jay has been serving in an acting basis, helping to smoothly facilitate the operations of the Court, and I am excited to see him officially assume the position.”   

“Jay has an unparalleled knowledge of our Springfield District Court and our civil and criminal procedures, which makes him the perfect person to serve as the Clerk Magistrate of the Springfield District Court,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “I want to thank Chief Justice Fortes for first appointing him in an acting capacity, and am excited to see his continued work for the District Court.”   

Attorney Stocks has worked for the Springfield District Court since 1993. He is currently the Acting Clerk Magistrate and is responsible for managing the administration of the Clerk’s Office, as well as conducting show cause hearings, presiding over small claims trials, and reviewing applications for complaints and search warrants. He previously served as the First Assistant Clerk Magistrate and the Assistant Clerk Magistrate for the Springfield District Court. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Syracuse University and a Juris Doctor from Western New England University School of Law.  

"I would like to thank Governor Healey for her trust in nominating me to this important position,” said Attorney Stocks.” I would also like to thank my colleagues and staff who help me run the busiest District Court in the Commonwealth, and the mentors I had over the past thirty years, who had a role in molding me into the quality public servant I am today."

The Springfield District Court hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, mental health and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence of up to five years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties, all misdemeanors, and all violations of city and town ordinances and by-laws. In civil matters, the District Court hears cases in which the damages are not likely to be more than $50,000 and small claims cases up to $7,000. The District Court is located in 62 courts across the state.   

Governor Healey has nominated 14 attorneys to the District Court: Heath Antonio, Frederick DeCubellis, Leo Fama, Stuart Hurowitz, Sarah Kennedy, Edward Krippendorf, Francis V. Kenneally, Courtney C. Linnehan, Hilary McCamic, Polly Phillips, Jerald Parisella, Gregory Teran, Marjorie P. Tynes and Amanda Ward.