BOSTON–For his historic appointment, unwavering dedication to justice, and lifelong commitment to serving the people of Massachusetts with integrity and empathy, Judge Neil Sherring will be honored with the 2025 Legal & Justice Champion Award at the New England Choice Awards gala on November 1, 2025, at the Burlington Marriott Hotel in Burlington, MA.
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A proud Boston native and first-generation Indian American, Judge Sherring made history in 2018 when he became the first Indian American appointed to the Massachusetts Housing Court. His appointment marked more than just a personal milestone—it was a transformative moment for the Commonwealth’s judiciary, reflecting the evolving face of American justice and the importance of representation within its institutions.
Judge Sherring brings to the bench a powerful blend of lived experience, legal acumen, and human empathy. His parents, Dr. Albert and Dr. Sharnta Sherring, who immigrated to the United States and broke their own barriers in the medical field, instilled in him the values of service, humility, and perseverance. These values continue to shape his daily approach to justice.
Before joining the bench, Judge Sherring built a distinguished legal career rooted in public service. He began as a litigation associate at Mintz Levin, later serving as an Assistant Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where he prosecuted civil rights cases. His passion for justice deepened during this time, inspired by the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. As he recalls, “Being the Supreme Court’s first African American Judge who fought for civil rights as an attorney, [Justice Marshall] has had the greatest influence on me.”
As a partner at Dakoyannis & Sherring, LLC, he represented clients in complex civil litigation in both state and federal courts. These experiences further sharpened his ability to balance the letter of the law with the spirit of fairness.
In the Housing Court, Judge Sherring oversees cases that directly impact the daily lives of thousands—from landlord-tenant disputes to housing code enforcement. Known for his compassionate demeanor and steadfast commitment to due process, he ensures that every voice is heard, and every person is treated with dignity. “Having the ability to challenge myself each and every day to be a fair person… to treat people with dignity—these are some of the things that motivate me to do the work that I do,” he says.
Beyond the bench, Judge Sherring is a mentor and role model for aspiring lawyers, especially those from underrepresented communities. His journey, from a Boston neighborhood to the Massachusetts judiciary, offers inspiration and a tangible example of what is possible.
He also devotes time to charitable causes that reflect his values. Judge Sherring and his family are longtime supporters of Akshaya Patra, a nonprofit focused on eliminating child hunger and promoting education. “We took our sons to an Akshaya Patra kitchen in Nagpur… afterwards, we all had the opportunity to serve the freshly prepared healthy food to students at a local school.” He also supports Saheli, which serves women affected by domestic violence—a cause close to his heart from his early career as a criminal prosecutor.
When he’s not serving the Commonwealth, Judge Sherring finds peace in cooking—a tradition he shared with his mother while in law school. “Cooking for my family and friends is an expression of love that brings me joy,” he shares.
For his groundbreaking service, lifelong commitment to justice, and the quiet but powerful impact he has made on countless lives, the New England Choice Awards is proud to honor Judge Neil Sherring with the 2025 Legal & Justice Champion Award.
Q & A with Judge Neil Sherring:
INDIA New England News: Who has had the greatest influence on your personal and professional life?
Neil Sherring: My parents, Dr. Albert Sherring and Dr. Sharnta Sherring, my wife, Yoshika Sherring, and my sons, Vijay Sherring and Curren Sherring have had and continue to have the greatest influence on my personal life. In terms of my professional life, as an Assistant Attorney General prosecuting civil rights cases, the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi as an attorney and advocate for civil rights had a profound influence on me. As a Judge, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall has had the greatest influence on me. Being the Supreme Court’s first African American Judge who fought for civil rights as an attorney.
INE: What is one hobby that brings you joy or peace?
NS: Cooking brings me peace as I connect with my mother who, as one of the first Indian women who became a physician in the United States before the Civil Rights Act was passed, managed a busy medical practice yet without fail would always make our family a home-cooked meal each and every night. While I was in law school we would cook together as a way to unwind. I have her recipe book in my kitchen. Cooking for my family and friends is an expression of love that brings me joy.
INE: What motivates you to do the work you do?
NS: Having the ability to challenge myself each and every day to be a fair person, to be a compassionate person when people are often at one of the worst moments in their lives, to listen to others who often do not have a voice in society, and to treat people with dignity—these are some of the things that motivate me to do the work that I do.
INE: Do you support or volunteer with any nonprofit or charitable causes? If so, which ones and why?
NS: I support Akshaya Patra because this is a charitable organization that has been and continues to be very near and dear to me and my family. Akshaya Patra does incredible work ensuring that no child in India (and now around the world) will miss out on education due to being hungry. Also, when our sons were young, we took them to an Akshaya Patra kitchen in Nagpur and afterwards, we all had the opportunity to serve the freshly prepared healthy food to students at a local school.
I also support Saheli and the important work this organization does in protecting women who are victims of domestic violence. When I was a criminal prosecutor early on in my career, I saw first-hand the devastation of domestic violence. I saw how in some communities, women not only suffer physical and emotional scars and trauma, but they also suffer from being ostracized from family and community.
INE: What are 2 quotes or sayings you live by?
NS:
“Our greatest ability as humans is not to change the world; but to change ourselves.” — Mahatma Gandhi
“Keep Smiling.” — Dr. Albert Sherring
This is what my father would say to me and my sister Asha growing up. It means to me that one should always find the good in life and in a situation. It also means that you can change a person’s life in such a positive way with a smile.
