Deval Patrick's Biggest Mistake

For those who knew Arthur Ryley before he was appointed as a Judge to Barnstable Probate and Family Court, he had a mediocre career as a lawyer that was always helped along by "family ties". Most attorneys will tell you that when Gov. Deval Patrick had to replace retired Judge Terry, his appointment of Arthur Ryley was a bit of a surprise. Ryley was the President of the Barnstable County Bar Association, a speaker at numerous conferences and looked the part of a well seasoned and well respected lawyer but his actual records told otherwise. The Judicial Nominating Commission, which oversees the affirmation of Judges appointed by the Governor, keeps most of its meeting and paperwork secret. However, public files have shown that Ryley had several closed Board of Bar Overseers complaints against him, was a very outspoken Democrat with political ties (with the contribution record to prove it) and had very strong political/ethical views, usually not a good quality for an "impartial" Judge. It was rumored that his appointment was helped along by Eric Turkington (D- Falmouth), former Democratic member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives (1989-2009). In 2008, about the same time as Ryley's appointment, Turkington ran for the Barnstable Register of Probate. However, his bid was defeated by current Register, Republican Anastasia Welsh Perrino. Ryley's daughter is married to former Steam Ship Authority Governor, Galen Robbins. For those of you who followed that debacle, you will remember Robbins as the most reviled member of the Steam Ship Authority. When fired by the Board, he sued, using SSA funds and holding up the appointment of his replacement. Those who were close to it say that Robbins was Turkington's puppet from day one. He voted exactly how Turkinton wanted him to. On the record of a SSA meeting, Turkington finally admitted he was dating Robbin's sister, a revelation that made a lot of sense.

Most attorneys do not aspire to become Judge's, especially in the Probate and Family Court. Since becoming Associate Justice in Barnstable Probate and Family Court, Judge Ryley has pushed his political agenda, shown very poor judgment with many of his rulings and has shown that very quick temper that got him into so much trouble as an attorney.

Beware to all that enter his court room.

My divorce was in his court. I can honestly say that it was the single most horrific experience of my life. This judge treated me like a criminal. Judge Ryley is outrageously opinionated and not afraid to threaten the parties involved should you not agree with his opinions. My attorney warned me from day one that he was a wild card but I underestimated how bad he really was. Even my ex finally begged me to come to a resolution, so we wouldn't have to be back in front of him. I've watch some even worse hearings, while waiting for our hearings. My attorney has told me some crazy stories of him flying off the handle in other cases. It is my opinion that this judge is in desperate need of some kind of sensitivity training.

Instead of sensitivity training, judges should be subjected to term reviews every few years. Judge Arthur Ryley would not have made it past his first review. The only thing litigants in his court can look forward to is his mandatory retirement in 9 years. Let's hope they don't change the age to 76.

Arthur Ryley and Robert Scandurra are two of the most corrupt judges in Massachusetts. Arthur Ryley, in particular, favors attorneys with whom he has had long friendships with. Eric Turkington was not the only politician who went to bat for Ryley when Deval Patrick had to fill the vacant position in Barnstable Probate and Family. Turkington was more involved with Ryley's son in law than most know. Turkington is the registered owner of a Cape Dory Yacht named "Robbins Nest" in Falmouth. Ryley's son in law is Galen Robbins, as mentioned above. Robbins attempt to run the Steamship Authority had a disastrous ending. however, Turkington got what he wanted out of Robbins. Turkington was no stranger to Ryley's son in law. In fact, Turkington knows the entire Robbins family. Galen Robbins mother was a long time town of Falmouth administrator and served on many local boards, working with Turkington, as well as a good friend. Turkington, as mentioned, date Galen Robbin's sister. Turkington controlled Robbins during his tenure as SSA chairman. Turkington owed Robbins for his allegiance to him during his tenure with the SSA. Turkington gained greatly from Robbins. In turn, Turkington lobbied Deval Patrick to appoint Arthur Ryley, Robbins father in law, to associate justice in Barnstable Probate and Family Court. He also had several other Reps that were close friends from the Cape go to bat for Ryley. Ryley's career, on its own, was not deserving of the appointment, although he is a long time democrat contributor and kiss ass. It is also rumored by those close to both that Turkington's boat, "Robbins Nest" was a gift from Turkington to Galen Robbins for his favors during his time with the SSA. Why would Turkington own a boat named "Robbins Nest"?

Anyone have any links to any of these allegations?

CCLegalEagle wrote:Anyone have any links to any of these allegations?

A simple Google search will give you much of the public information. You could also check his file with the BBO.

I'd bet that Arthur Ryley has read this site. He is too arrogant not to Google his own name. I was told by one of the girls in the Clerk's office that this site is very interesting reading for them. I wouldn't be surprised if some of them were posting here too.