Following a historic confirmation of the first woman to lead the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Governor's Council is considering another nominee who has played a role in shaping the state's criminal law over the past decade.

The Massachusetts Governor's Council unanimously approved Associate Justice Amy L. Blake to fill the role of chief justice this week, while also hearing from another candidate recently nominated by Gov. Maura Healey. On Wednesday, the council heard testimony on behalf of Chauncey Wood, a partner at boutique Boston firm Wood & Nathanson, who has helped secure the reversal of more than 20 criminal convictions and sentences.