Isaac Mass
Attorney and Owner, Law Office of Isaac J. Mass, age 36
Isaac Mass’s accomplishments include owning a law firm, serving four terms as a Greenfield town councilor, playing an active role in the town’s economic-development efforts, and being feted with a long list of awards and special recognitions. But the father of three girls, who are all named after cities in Massachusetts, says none of this would have been possible if people hadn’t gone out of their way to help him and given him opportunities to participate in a wide variety of activities when he was young.
“I came from humble beginnings and grew up in public housing, but a lot of people helped me out,” he said. “I consider myself an old-fashioned country lawyer, enjoy helping others, and have always felt it was my obligation to give back to the community.”
Veterans hold a special place in his heart because Mass served in the Army National Guard for eight years and was deployed to Bosnia during that time. “So, whenever I can, I try to help other veterans,” he said. One case he takes pride in was getting Social Security disability benefits for a veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and was injured in an IED attack. In addition, Mass was the first defense attorney to obtain inpatient treatment at Soldier On in Northampton as an alternative disposition for a case heard in Greenfield District Court.
Last year, Gov. Deval Patrick appointed Mass state ballot commissioner. He has held many civic positions in Greenfield and is active on the Greenfield Community College Alumni Scholarship Committee. He also enjoys aiding young people, and is state chairman of the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Loyal Order of the Moose Assoc. Youth Awareness Program and district chair of the American Legion High School Oratorical Contest.
“Nothing makes me happier than watching people I have helped succeed and become involved in the community, whether they are clients or students,” said Mass, whose own drive to give back has led him to coach soccer, judge transactional law meets, and otherwise do all he can to make a difference in Greenfield and Franklin counties.
— Kathleen Mitchell
