Mark Liberati at his home Tuesday afternoon on Old Walcott Avenue. The former councilman was unanimously appointed probate judge by the town council from among 14 candidates. PHOTO BY ANDREA VON HOHENLEITEN
Following Peter J. McGuirl’s retirement as probate judge in December after nearly 30 years, the town was swamped with letters of interest from 14 candidates.
Councilman Randy White, a retired state prosecutor, said he was familiar with the qualified crop of lawyers.
“We’re really blessed to have such a robust, talented group of applicants,” he said. “Every town should be so lucky.”
Following interviews, one man was left standing: Mark Liberati.
The Old Walcott Avenue attorney, a resident for nearly four decades, was unanimously appointed probate judge last week by the councilors. Liberati, who is familiar with probate law though his private practice, wants to continue McGuirl’s legacy. “There is a level of professional courtesy and I expect that to continue,” he said. Liberati, a graduate of Boston College and Suffolk University Law School, has been practicing law in Rhode Island since 1977. He has served as an attorney in probate proceedings throughout the state, which gives him experience to don the robe. “I go to probate courts fairly often as an attorney and have established relationships with other lawyers,” he said. Having represented clients in litigation concerning title clearings, liens, zoning, tax appeals and contract disputes in both Superior Court and on appeal to the Rhode Island Supreme Court, Liberati feels confident in handling these cases.
“It is hardly controversial or difficult,” Liberati said. “I am very familiar with how probate affects land titles, as the bulk of my practice involves title examinations and closings.”
While Liberati wants to continue where McGuirl left off, he is revisiting the 2 p.m. sessions. Probate court is on the first Wednesday of every month.
“I think most people, myself included, would prefer a 9 a.m. start time,” he said.
Liberati is not a newcomer to municipal government. In the 1990s, as the father of four young children, he served as town moderator. He also was elected town councilor.
“Now my children have all grown and I have more time to devote to community service,” he said.
Liberati, who will preside over his first probate court Feb. 6, has more changes afoot. This week he is moving his law office from Westminster Street in Providence to his home on the corner of Brook Street.
“It was time to move on,” he said. “It just didn’t make sense anymore to travel two hours each day. I had been threatening to make the move for a while. It can be difficult to be out on your own.”
Liberati said his fondness for Jamestown will make for a smooth transition.
“Jamestown is a very special place,” he said. “When I was in law school, I helped my father build a place in the north end of town. I haven’t left.”
While Liberati said his new post will create unforeseen challenges, he doesn’t anticipate any controversy at Town Hall.
“There’s not a lot of contention in probate court and it deals with fairly mundane matters,” he said. “It should be business as usual.”