In a speech to introduce Ireland, Douglas Sheff, a Boston trial lawyer and president of the Massachusetts Bar Association, noted that the governor said Ireland was the “right man at the right time” to be appointed as chief justice.

“Man, was he right,” Sheff said.

Sheff praised Ireland for his low-key, friendly approach and efforts to visit lawyers and courts. Sheff said Ireland changed the way the courts deal with legislators and paved the
way for changes.