Judge Kathleen A. Sandman: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Hon. Kathleen A. Sandman is first justice of the Probate and Family Court (Circuit Division) in Massachusetts. She was appointed to the bench by Governor Charlie Baker in 2017. Sandman filled the vacancy created by the retirement of Stephen M. Rainaud (Ret.).

In the Circuit Division, Sandman presides in all four counties in Western Massachusetts including Hampden, Hampshire, Berkshire, and Franklin Counties.

At the time of her appointment, she had worked as a sole practitioner at her own private practice since 2009. Her practice focused on Probate and Family Court litigation including personal injury law, simple estate planning, and real estate law.

Prior to opening her practice, Sandman was a partner at Connor, Sandman & Weisser, LLP. She became a named partner at the firm in 2003, which was formerly Connor & Richard (1989 to 1991) and Connor, Richard & Weisser (1991 to 2003). Sandman also briefly worked as a sole practitioner in 1989 and as an associate at Gould & Gould, LLP for one year. She began her legal career as an associate at Odierna & Beaumier, where she had worked as a legal assistant while in law school.

In addition to her private practice, Sandman also served as a member of the Planning Board for the Town of Granville (2000 to 2004).

She received a B.A. in political science from Siena College in 1984. Sandman then completed a J.D. at Western New England College School of Law in 1987.

She is a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association.

Sandman, who was born in New Rochelle, New York, was a resident of Springfield, Massachusetts, at the time of her appointment.