As Governor Charlie Baker prepares to fill five vacancies on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, lawyers in Western Mass are offering their advice.

Hampden County Bar Association President Jeffrey Morneau says Governor Baker has a chance to reshape the seven-member court entirely.

“It’s an unprecedented opportunity for Governor Baker to appoint that many Supreme Court Justices during his term,” says Morneau. “Really I think it’s going to potentially define his legacy.”

Among those retiring is Justice Francis Spina of Pittsfield — the only member of the Supreme Judicial Court from the western part of the state.

Marissa Elkins, president of the Hampshire County Bar Association, says Governor Baker should “absolutely” appoint at least one justice from Western Mass.

“Lack of representation of Western Mass in the Appeals Court and on the [Supreme Judicial Court] has always been a bit of an issue,” says Elkins.

However, Elkins says she believes the governor is committed to more regional balance on the Supreme Judicial Court.

The Baker administration says in a statement “it also hopes to recruit applicants who represent not only the geographically diverse parts of the Commonwealth, but also the diversity of our citizens.”

In the last couple weeks, three justices announced their retirement. Two more will reach the mandatory retirement age next year.