Norfolk County Superior Courthouse to be Named “William D. Delahunt Courthouse”
October 12, 2022
Honor recognizes the exceptional public service career of William D. Delahunt
Former Norfolk County District Attorney and United States Congressman William D. Delahunt will be recognized by the naming of the Norfolk County Superior Courthouse in his honor.
The William D. Delahunt Courthouse dedication celebration will be held at the First Church and Parish in Dedham, across the street from the Superior Courthouse, on October 16, 2022, at 12 p.m. The event will be followed by a reception. The William D. Delahunt Courthouse is a National Historic Landmark at 670 High Street in Dedham, Massachusetts.
As a district attorney, Delahunt developed the nation’s first prosecutorial unit dealing with domestic violence and sexual assault cases. These pioneering programs became national models to combat violence against women.
Many prosecutors from his office went on to serve on the federal and state judiciary, including the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. Many have also held high-profile public positions including U.S. Attorney, served in elected and appointed positions, and enjoyed successful private practices.
“I’m honored for this recognition which I share with so many people who worked so diligently and passionately to impact the criminal justice system,” said Delahunt. “The challenge to improve the quality of life for our communities was exciting and inspiring, and our initiatives fundamentally transformed the justice system.
“Changing attitudes, ensuring the fair application of the law, cannot be accomplished alone. I have an immense sense of gratitude to former colleagues and staff and other partners in law enforcement who worked tirelessly with us.”
Attending the William D. Delahunt Courthouse dedication will be former United States Senator (and former First Assistant District Attorney) John Kerry, former United States Senator Paul Kirk Jr., former Governor Michael Dukakis (who first appointed Delahunt to the DA’s office), former Attorney General Francis Bellotti (a longtime friend and mentor), Massachusetts House Speaker Ron Mariano (also from Quincy), and Congressmen Jim McGovern, John Tierney, and Steve Lynch, Chuck Atkins, Marty Meehan, Bill Keating as well as the Democratic nominee for Attorney General Andrea Campbell. They will be joined by other dignitaries, colleagues, civil and community leaders, friends, and family.
The naming of the Norfolk County Superior Courthouse in honor of William Delahunt was enacted through legislation passed by the Massachusetts legislature and signed by Governor Baker.
The service of Delahunt for 22 years, was the longest tenure of any District Attorney in the Norfolk County District Attorney’s office. He was then elected as U.S Representative for Massachusetts’s 10th congressional district from 1997 to 2011. He is currently Special Counsel with Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott in Boston, a national law firm with headquarters in Pittsburgh and other cities.
While in Congress, he served as a member of the House Judiciary Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, he was a respected leader on policies regarding Latin America and Europe.
Over the years, Delahunt developed important relationships with world leaders and ambassadors. His relationships with Venezuelan officials enabled him to negotiate an agreement to cut the cost of home heating oil delivered to low-income families in the Northeast.
Upon Delahunt’s retirement, he joined Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott’s Boston office as Special Counsel in 2011.
“No one deserves this honor more than Bill,” said Timothy Q. Hudak, Chief Executive Officer of Eckert Seamans. “He has been an example to all of us through his hard work and dedication on behalf of his clients and to the countless attorneys and legal professionals he has mentored and inspired.”
For more information on the renaming ceremony, contact Celeste Mcglone, celestemcglone@aol.com, 617-429-5378, or Seth Rolbein, rolbrain@verizon.net, 508-367-6044.
View William D. Delahunt’s bio here.