Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/385222
ASSOCIATE JUSTICE, MASSACHUSETTS APPEALS COURT R. MALCOLM GRAHAM R. Malcolm Graham knows the importance of teamwork. In 1968 and 1969, he played for two magical seasons on one of the greatest teams in history: the back-to-back-championship- winning Boston Celtics. "I had the privilege of being around some really competitive, focused, dedicated leaders—Bill Russell, Sam Jones, John Havlicek—who taught me that the best contribu- tions in life we make together." After an illness stopped his basketball career short, Graham worked as a Celtics talent scout before studying for his law degree. In 1982, he received an appoint- ment as a trial judge, becoming one of just a handful of African Americans on the bench. In 2004, he rose to the Appeals Court, and over the years he has presided over the trials of some notorious figures, including Wakefield massacre gunman Michael McDermott and master con man Christian Karl Gerhartsreiter (aka Clark Rockefeller). In addition, Graham has brought the rule of law to other countries by helping to establish the Massachusetts Judges Conference's International Judicial, and as former president of the Massachusetts Black Judges Association, he has helped our system become fairer by advocat- ing for more judges, clerks, and probation officers of color. "The only way [the court] survives as an institution is if people have confidence in it," Graham says. "And that only happens if people get a sense that there is fairness in it." Leadership is… "Selflessness. You [need it] to accomplish some greater goal for society that goes beyond whatever aspirations you have for yourself." Jam sharp suit, Boss Hugo Boss ($895). Bloomingdale's, The Mall at Chestnut Hill, Newton, 617-630-6000; bloomingdales.com. Dress shirt, Brooks Brothers ($92). 46 Newbury St., 617-267- 2600; brooksbrothers.com. Americano tie, Bonobos ($98). Guideshop Boston, 283 Dartmouth St., 857-263-7340; bonobos.com. Pocket square, Boss ($50). Copley Place, 617-266-7492; hugoboss.com. Check tie bar, Burberry ($180). 2 Newbury St., 617-236-1000; burberry.com. Rings, his own