As reported by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (Trial Court Announces Layoffs and Court Closings) last week, the Massachusetts Trial Court announced that it will cut between 250 and 300 court jobs and closed almost 14 courthouses.

These cuts are in addition to several hundred court employees who agreed to take early retirement. In addition to the layoffs, early retirement and court closings, court personnel and judges will have to take a five day unpaid furlough.

The budget cuts, undoubtedly, will impact litigants waiting for their day in court. Trials will be delayed.

Many more litigants may opt for private Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) such as arbitration or mediation as a way to obtain an expedited resolution of their legal dispute.

Source: Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly

Copyright © 2010 John J. Sheehan