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Northwestern ADA Michaels honored by state bar group

Local prosecutor awarded honor at MBA meeting
Posted on: June 27, 2022 - 2:11pm
Becky Michaels honored with MBA award

Northwestern Assistant District Attorney Becky Michaels was honored this week with the Massachusetts Bar Association’s Prosecutor Award given to state or federal prosecutors for distinguished efforts in public service activities and a commitment to justice.

The MBA noted Michaels work on initiatives that seek to ensure access to justice for all, citing in particular the Conviction Integrity Committee, which reviews claims of wrongful convictions;  a Hampshire County-wide restorative justice program; and the Drug Diversion and Treatment Program, which offers treatment rather than incarceration in cases where substance misuse is the primary cause of criminal behavior. Michaels is the supervisor of that diversion program.

The award was one of eight given out in a variety of categories to honorees from across the state at the MBA’s Access to Justice Celebration held Wednesday at the Framingham Sheraton Wednesday. The event’s keynote speaker was Joseph P. Kennedy III, former U.S. Representative from Massachusetts, who currently is managing director of Citizens Energy.

ADA Michaels has worked at the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office for eight years in two stints, from May of 2012 until October of 2017, when she served as a district court prosecutor and Attorney In Charge at the Greenfield District Court. She left to work in the Springfield offices of Attorney General Maura Healey, returning to the NWDAO in March of 2019, where she has since been working as an ADA in the district courts, while also taking the lead in several office-wide equity initiatives including:

  • The Equity in Prosecution Committee, charged with reviewing arraignments, bail and other areas over which prosecutors exercise discretion to ensure equity and consistency;
  • The Professional Responsibility Committee, which addresses ethical issues arising from criminal investigations or prosecutions and assists with related training of ADAs;
  • Prosecutorial Performance Indicators, a data collection and analysis project aimed at guiding the work of prosecutors and increasing transparency.

“Our office has long been focused on strong partnerships with the communities we serve as we work on initiatives that address some of the root causes of criminal activity. The equity initiatives are a continuation of our commitment to progressive prevention practices,” said Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan. “It’s gratifying that the MBA has recognized Becky Michaels efforts in this realm. Her leadership has helped move the office forward in our ongoing efforts to address implicit bias and structural forces that disproportionately impact people of color. This work is essential, and it is a long-term commitment.”

Michaels earned her bachelor’s degree at Barnard College and her law degree at Western New England University School of Law in 2009, after which she served as law clerk for The Hon. Ariane Vuono in the Massachusetts Appeals Court and U.S. District Judge Michael A. Ponsor.