William Cohen, a Vermont Supreme Court associate justice, plans to step down before the end of the year.
He informed Gov. Phil Scott of his decision in a retirement letter dated July 28, and Scott confirmed the justice’s plan Thursday.
“He was a great appointment,” Scott said at his weekly press conference.
Cohen joined the state’s highest court in 2019 after two decades as a trial judge. In his resignation letter, Cohen described himself as the longest active member of the state judiciary.
Earlier this year, Associate Justice Karen Carroll also announced her plans to step down. Scott said the judicial nominating board has submitted names of potential candidates, and his administration would be reviewing possible replacements for both vacancies.
Prior to becoming a judge, Cohen, who hails from Rutland, worked as a deputy state’s attorney and in private practice.
When appointed to the Supreme Court, Cohen described himself as “moderate, balancing the law with the human needs,” a sentiment echoed by others in the judicial system at the time.
“Throughout these years I have worked hard to serve the litigants with professionalism, integrity and fairness,” Cohen wrote in his letter to the governor, praising court staff and his fellow judges. “Vermont continues to have a strong and independent judiciary that will continue for a long time to come.”
In a press release from the Vermont State Court Administrator’s Office, Chief Justice Paul Reiber praised his colleague.
“Justice Cohen has been a valued colleague to every member of our court,” Reiber said. “He has been a mentor to young lawyers and a confidant to those facing life challenges.”
U.S. District Court Judge Mary Kay Lanthier similarly commended Cohen, recalling their time working in Rutland County’s courts.
“Justice Cohen loved jury trials. He understood the critical role individual Vermonters play in our legal system,” she said in the release. “He knew Vermonters serving on juries took their responsibility seriously and relied on their collective experiences and wisdom to render just and fair verdicts. The State of Vermont will miss his service greatly.”
An avid cyclist, Cohen said he looked forward to biking back roads in his new free time. Cohen’s retirement is effective Dec. 27, according to his letter.
Alan Keays contributed reporting.
