Fall River attorney nominated to Nantucket Probate and Family Court

Fall River attorney nominated to Nantucket Probate and Family Court

By GateHouse Media


Nantucket (Nov. 4, 2009) – Deval Patrick has nominated a Fall River attorney to fill a vacancy in the Nantucket Probate and Family Court.

Currently serving the State Department in Iraq as Rule of Law Advisor in the Sadr City section of Baghdad, Col. George F. Phelan is being nominated to fill the role opened by the nomination of Judge Angela M. Ordonez to the Norfolk Probate and Family Court.

Phelan began his legal career on active duty with the Army’s JAG Corps before founding a private solo practice in Fall River, where he focused on civil matters in probate and family courts, with an expertise in elder law. In addition to his legal services, he has also served as an adjunct law professor and frequent lecturer.

Phelan also has served since 1983 as a military attorney in the Army Reserve. His duties include serving as a prosecutor, defense attorney, equal opportunity officer and legal adviser to the Commanding General of New England’s Reserve forces.

Phelan has also been recognized for advancing women’s rights. He was honored this year with the State Department’s Swanee Hunt Award for his active role in advancing women’s issues in Baghdad by developing several women’s NGOs, establishing five comprehensive women’s centers and organizing numerous legal education seminars.

A resident of Fall River, Phelan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts, a Master of City Planning degree from Ohio State University, and a juris doctorate degree from New England School of Law.

Phelan is the second Fall River attorney to be nominated to the bench by Patrick, following former Corporation Counsel Thomas McGuire’s nomination and subsequent approval as a Superior Court judge. McGuire was sworn-in to the position in June.

Patrick also announced the nomination of Judge Martine Carroll, a 17-year veteran of the Department of Industrial Accidents, to fill a vacancy on the Lawrence District Court created by the retirement of the Honorable Kevin M. Herlihy.