Andrea DeVries began her nearly 20 year career as a public defender in September 2000, after clerking for the SJC for 2 years.  Her intellect and qualifications guaranteed any legal career she wanted, and she chose to become a public defender.  She became a supervising attorney for the first batch of District Court lawyers in 2006, but returned to Superior Court practice in 2008.  Those who worked with Andrea and knew her well, describe her commitment to her clients and willingness to do anything for them.  Her dedication was evident in so many ways:  the 1.5 hour commute twice a day from Watertown to New Bedford and back for the first 15 years of her career; the regularity with which she volunteered to take the most complex and wrenching cases; the number of weekend and late night client calls she routinely answered.  In 2012, Andrea returned to a supervisory position when we doubled the size of our district court unit, and began mentoring a new crop of lawyers.  She was always up to crunch cases, confront hairy legal issues, console battle weary warriors, and celebrate victories. 

In addition to her clients, Andrea cared about her colleagues.  She planned regular group outings, holiday parties, appreciation lunches, etc...  Several times a year she brought our outstanding administrative staff flowers “just because.”

Her devotion to those she cared about extended to her pets, and pets in search of forever homes.  For years she nursed an ailing cat, administering fluids and IV meds several times a day.  After adopting a rescue dog, she used her lunch break to give him mid-day walks.  She also donated money and time to the Humane Society.

Several years ago, the New Bedford Standard-Times newspaper wrote about a day in the life of a public defender, and featured Andrea.  It was a tribute to her work, dedication, and commitment to indigent defense.  The accompanying photograph of her walking down the stairway in the old New Bedford Superior Court hangs in our office still.  Her memory is in our hearts forever.