Luis M. Matos is sworn as Associate Justice of the RI Superior Court
First Portuguese native named to the bench in Rhode Island
Assistant U.S. Attorney Luis M. Matos was sworn in as Associate Justice of the RI Superior Court by Governor Lincoln Chafee on June 25, 2012 before over 300 dignitaries, colleagues, family members, friends and local and international press. The Portuguese-American community was present in force to witness the historic moment and the pride was palpable when one of its own attained an American dream.
Born in Batalha, Portugal, the Providence resident moved to the U.S. in 1969 with his family as a child where they settled in the Fox Point neighborhood of the city. The son of working class parents, he was the first member of his family to graduate from college, Brown University, continuing on to earn a J.D. with honors from the University of Connecticut School of Law.
Throughout the speaking program, Matos was praised for his intelligence, tireless work ethic and unflagging integrity. His career has been marked by numerous successes and accolades. Since his tenure in the U.S. Attorney's Office of the RI District in 2001, he has distinguished himself with the successful prosecution of many high-profile cases in Rhode Island.
His nomination by Gov. Chafee has been praised throughout the state and beyond as an excellent and worthy choice based solely on merit. The nomination was unanimously confirmed by the Senate Judiciary Committee and the full Senate of the RI General Assembly.
Associate Justice Matos mentioned in his comments that he was "humbled" by the outpouring of support for his confirmation from the Portuguese-American community. PALCUS is proud to have spearheaded the letter writing campaign that supported Matos' confirmation and wishes him success in his judicial career.
PALCUS Chairman Fernando Rosa and Vice-Chair Marie Fraley were on hand to witness the swearing in of Luis Matos at the RI State House.
(L to R: Fernando Rosa, Assoc. Justice Matos, Marie Fraley)
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