Here comes the (lesbian) judge

Cambridge lawyer Maureen Monks has been appointed to the Middlesex Probate and Family Court. Monks sought the nomination through the Governor's Council, which voted in favor of her nomination at its May 28 meeting. A representative from the Council said in a statement, "We are delighted with this outstanding nomination and look forward to her thoughtful and impartial administration of justice throughout her tenure."

A specialist in family law, Monks works in her practice with issues of guardianship, divorce, adoption and estate planning. She is a long-time member and former co-chair of the Massachusetts Lesbian and Gay Bar Association (MLGBA), and has served on the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute and offered pro bono counsel to gay and lesbian victims of domestic violence for Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders. "Maureen will be a phenomenal addition to the bench. MLGBA is very proud to call her a member and a friend," fellow MLGBA member David Eppley said of Monks's appointment.