The Hon. John M. Payne, Jr. (Ret.) was first justice of the Springfield District Court in Massachusetts. He was appointed to the bench by former Governor Paul Cellucci in 2001. Payne retired in May 2021.
He also presided as first justice of the Eastern Hampshire District Court and as an associate justice in the Chicopee District Court.
Payne received a bachelor’s degree in political science from American International College in 1975. He then completed a J.D. at Western New England College School of Law in 1981.
After law school, Payne worked for three years as an assistant district attorney with the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office before becoming an assistant solicitor (1984 to 1988) and solicitor (1989 to 1991) at Egan, Flanagan & Cohen, P.C.
Payne also practiced as an attorney at Kelly, Pessolano & Withers (1991 to 1992) and Keyes & Donnellan, PC (1992 to 2001), where his practice included civil defense, litigation, insurance defense, personal injury, and corporate, municipal and administrative law. He remained with Keyes & Donnellan until his appointment to the District Court bench.
Payne taught as an adjunct professor at American International College and Western New England College School of Law.
His memberships included the Massachusetts Bar Association and the Hampden County Bar Association (Board of Directors).
Payne was born in Springfield, Massachusetts.