ORACLE AWARD

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THE MASSACHUSETTS FAMILY AND PROBATE AMERICAN INN OF COURT HEREBY ESTABLISHES THE ORACLE AWARD TO HONOR MARIE A. GARDIN, JUDICIAL CASE MANAGER WHO, WITH THE HIGHEST DEGREE OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE, A LEGACY OF INTEGRITY, AND TIRELESS WORK ETHIC, HAS SERVED THE PEOPLE OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS WITH THE UTMOST DISTINCTION SINCE 1960.
 
IN APPRECIATION AND AS INSPIRATION TO ALL WITHIN THE LEGAL COMMUNITY, HERETOFORE THIS RECOGNITION OF HER LEGACY WILL BE KNOWN AS THE  ORACLE AWARD.

ORACLE AWARD RECIPIENTS
• 2024: David H. Lee
• 2023: Hon. Edward F. Donnelly, Jr. (Ret.)
• 2022: Chief Justice John D. Casey​
• 2021: Chief Justice Paula M. Carey
• 2020: Norman Jacobs
• 2018: Richard Schmitt
​• 2017: Marie A. Gardin

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Excerpts from the speech bestowing the recognition of the Oracle Award,
​by 2016-2017 Inn President Sally R. Gaglini:

Last September 2016, our Inn Officers and Board of Directors decided that it was time for our Inn to recognize those who work in the court system who have gone above and beyond. Sponsorship appreciation luncheons were held in two of the county probate courts and the Inn endeavors to continue that new tradition with future planned luncheons in additional county probate courts.
 
Realizing that we could accomplish more, it was determined that we should further recognize unparalleled dedication to the People of Massachusetts…. Someone who quietly stands out and above…someone who has dedicated her entire professional life to the cause of justice…someone who defines selfless pursuit for the good of the People. 
 
Before I begin, know that, in classical antiquity, the Oracle was recognized as the person who provided wise and insightful counsel.
 
Marie A. Gardin began her career at Middlesex Probate Court in 1960 at the age of 18. 
 
In 1974, she was appointed as an Assistant Register. She was selected for her talent, merit, experience, and hard work. Given her competence, drive, and expertise, she most  certainly earned it.
 

Her colleagues describe her as:

• “Unique-Brilliant -A voracious reader. She could quote pages on Newhall. If a question eluded her, she would study and study and study until the answer was clear.”  

 

• “In the 10 years I worked there, there was never a day I didn’t go to her for guidance or discussion of difficult legal and procedural questions.  She taught me equity coming out of law school. I was the lawyer who had a JD. Marie had ALL the knowledge.”

 
Her massive volunteer effort that reduced un-computerized dockets from 6500 to 500 in a few months time, and her seamless oversight of a major renovation of the Probate Registry distinguished her accomplishments.
 
Perhaps one of Marie’s greatest talents remains in her ability to encourage self-improvement of employees, making strategic hiring and promotion decisions along the way. She embarked on intensive training of court employees to make the court friendlier and more accessible. Simply, she earned the respect of those working for her.
 
From this day forward, others who serve the court and its people may follow her lead as an exemplary person of valor as recipients of the Oracle Award.
 
 
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PROFESSIONALISM AWARD

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All Inn members are expected to be professionals and to model civility. This award is intended to recognize a current Inn member who goes above and beyond. Nominees may be current or retired attorneys, judges, or Court personnel.  

Criteria considered when selecting a nominee are:
• Trustworthiness
• Exemplification of integrity
• Reliability and reasonableness
• Treating the practice of law as a learned profession
• Conscientiousness
• Unwavering ethics
• Sensitivity and compassion
• Treating judges, court staff, lawyers, parties, coworkers, and employees with respect and dignity
• Competency and knowledge
• Generosity of time, advice, and kindness
• Helpfulness towards others when possible
• Avoiding or attempting to diffuse unnecessary drama

PROFESSIONALISM AWARD RECIPIENTS
• 2024:  Hon. Susan D. Ricci (Ret.)
• 2023: Ronald A. Witmer
• 2022: James L. Brick
• 2021: William H. Mayer