Who We Are, Where We Came From, and Where We’re Headed

Born and raised in Pittsfield, I have spent more than three decades serving the people of Berkshire County as a lawyer, community leader, and advocate. A graduate of Tufts University and Suffolk University Law School, I graduated first in my class in 1990 and was admitted to practice law in Massachusetts the same year.

For the past 33 years, I have practiced law at Hashim & Spinola, concentrating in litigation, divorce, custody and family law, real estate, estate planning, estate administration, and landlord-tenant matters. This broad legal background — especially in family and probate-related cases — has given me a deep, firsthand understanding of how the Probate & Family Court affects people during some of the most important and emotional moments of their lives.

I have been actively involved in the Berkshire Probate & Family Court for many years, participating in the Lawyer for the Day program and serving as both a participant and former Manager of the Court’s Conciliation Program. I also accepted Guardian ad Litem appointments from the Western Division Housing Court and assigned counsel appointments from the Berkshire Probate & Family Court, further demonstrating a long-standing commitment to public service and access to justice.

Beyond the courtroom, I have remained deeply involved in the community. I am President of the Win The Day Foundation and a former board member and coach for both Pittsfield Little League and the Berkshire Bruins Hockey Program.

I have been married to Kristin for 33 years and together we have two adult sons, Michael and Matthew. Family, community, and service have always been at the center of my life and career — values that continue to guide the decision to serve Berkshire County in this next role.

MISSION

To improve and maintain the Berkshire Probate & Family Court as a user-friendly public resource, with an emphasis on access, efficiency, and consistency.

Values in Action

The probate court exists to serve people — often at moments of loss, conflict, or major life transition. That is why I believe the court must always operate with fairness, compassion, accessibility, efficiency, and transparency

Accessibility and ease of use are paramount to achieving fair and just outcomes in our legal system. People should not feel overwhelmed or lost by the process itself. I am committed to making it as easy as possible for individuals and families to understand court procedures and filing requirements, so they can focus their energy where it belongs: on the substantive issues that affect their lives.

As Register of Probate, I will work to ensure that the court is not only well-run and efficient, but also welcoming, respectful, and consistent in how it serves the public.

A Promise to the Public

I am committed to running a Probate & Family Court that is:

Fair and impartial
Clear and accessible to everyone
Efficient and well-organized
Respectful of every person who walks through its doors
Focused on service, not bureaucracy

Why I’m Running

Many people come to probate court during one of the most difficult and emotional times of their lives — after the loss of a loved one, during a family dispute, or while navigating guardianship or estate matters. Too often, the process itself adds confusion and stress to an already overwhelming situation.

After more than 30 years practicing law and working directly with the Berkshire Probate & Family Court, I have seen firsthand how much difference a well-run, accessible, and compassionate court system can make in people’s lives.

I am running for Register of Probate because the court should not be something people fear or struggle to understand. It should be a place that helps them move forward in a clear, respectful, and positive way. With decades of experience inside this system, Ken Ferris is ready to bring practical improvements that make the court work better for everyone.

Meet the Campaign Team

Chris Moon

Campaign Manager

Laura Bowler

Secretary

Jeff Hassett

Treasurer

Hunter Hoag

Campaign Media & Designer