AUGUSTA — Today, Senate President Jackson, D-Allagash, appeared before the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee to testify in favor of the Hon. David Soucy’s appointment to the Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services. Soucy, a retired District Court Judge from Fort Kent, earned the committee’s unanimous approval with all present members voting to advance his nomination.
“David Soucy’s experience in — and understanding of — Maine’s legal system as a practicing attorney, a law professor and a District Court Judge uniquely qualifies him to serve on this commission. He has witnessed the shortage of legal counsel in rural Maine firsthand and has served as a court-appointed attorney within the MCILS system,” said President Jackson. “There is no question he will be an asset on this commission as we work together to bring much-needed reform and better protect the Mainers’ Sixth Amendment rights.”
Born and raised in Fort Kent, Soucy returned to practice law in Aroostook County upon earning his degree. In addition to operating a private law practice, Soucy has served on the Workers Compensation Commission, taught at the University of Maine at Fort Kent and chaired Aroostook County’s Medical Malpractice Review Panel. He retired from the Maine District Court in 2021 after 11 years on the bench.
Throughout his career, Soucy has remained an active member of his community serving at one point as President of the Fort Kent Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of Troop 189 Fort Kent Boy Scouts and several stints as Director of the Aroostook Mental Health Center. He currently serves on the School Board for MSAD #27 and is a member of the Upper St. John Land Trust.
The nomination will now go before the Maine Senate on Sept. 20 for a confirmation vote. An affirmative vote from two-thirds of the members present is required to overturn the committee’s recommendation.
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