Vermont Governor Appoints New Justices to State Supreme Court

Vermont Governor Phil Scott has appointed Christina Nolan and Michael Drescher to the Vermont Supreme Court, filling vacancies left by the retirements of Justices William Cohen and Karen Carroll. Both appointees have extensive backgrounds as federal prosecutors, with Nolan serving as U.S. Attorney for Vermont from 2017 to 2021 and Drescher holding various roles in the U.S. Attorney's Office for over two decades. Their appointments are pending confirmation by the Vermont Senate.

Vermont governor appoints 2 to state Supreme Court, both had worked as federal prosecutorsScott Appoints Veteran Prosecutors to Vermont Supreme CourtVermont Daily Chronicle

Christina Nolan, a Burlington resident, began her legal career in the U.S. Attorney's Office in 2010. She was unanimously confirmed as U.S. Attorney in 2017 and later ran for the U.S. Senate in 2022, losing in the Republican primary. Nolan has expressed her commitment to public service, stating, “This is an opportunity like no other to continue to make a positive difference in the lives of Vermonters and to uphold the rule of the law and the Constitution.”

Vermont governor appoints 2 to state Supreme Court, both had worked as federal prosecutors

Michael Drescher, from Hinesburg, has worked in the U.S. Attorney's Office since 2001, serving as first assistant U.S. Attorney before his appointment. He has overseen significant legal actions, including immigration enforcement and high-profile federal charges. Drescher emphasized his dedication to fairness in the judicial system, saying, “I pledge to help lead a court system in which everyone is treated with dignity and respect, justice is administered fairly and efficiently, and individual rights are protected.”

Scott Appoints Veteran Prosecutors to Vermont Supreme Court

Governor Scott highlighted the importance of these appointments, stating, “Naming justices to the Vermont Supreme Court is one of the greatest responsibilities for any governor.” He noted that both Nolan and Drescher have demonstrated a strong commitment to public service and the rule of law. Their selection was based on recommendations from the Judicial Nominating Board, which deemed them well-qualified candidates.

Scott Appoints Veteran Prosecutors to Vermont Supreme Court

While the appointments have been generally well-received, there is some uncertainty regarding why President Donald Trump did not nominate Drescher for a permanent U.S. Attorney position. The U.S. Department of Justice currently lists the U.S. Attorney for Vermont post as vacant, raising questions about the future of the office's leadership.

Scott Appoints Veteran Prosecutors to Vermont Supreme Court

The Vermont Senate will review the appointments of Nolan and Drescher, with swearing-in dates to be announced following their confirmation. Their backgrounds as federal prosecutors may influence their judicial philosophies and decisions on the court, particularly in areas related to criminal justice and public service.

Vermont governor appoints 2 to state Supreme Court, both had worked as federal prosecutors

• “This is an opportunity like no other to continue to make a positive difference in the lives of Vermonters and to uphold the rule of the law and the Constitution.” — Christina Nolan, Appointee

Scott Appoints Veteran Prosecutors to Vermont Supreme Court

• “I have spent the last 30 years working with and appearing before Vermont judges in state and federal courts.” — Michael Drescher, Appointee

Vermont Daily Chronicle

• “Naming justices to the Vermont Supreme Court is one of the greatest responsibilities for any governor,” — Phil Scott, Governor of Vermont

Vermont Daily Chronicle

• “I pledge to help lead a court system in which everyone is treated with dignity and respect, justice is administered fairly and efficiently, and individual rights are protected.” — Michael Drescher, Appointee

Vermont governor appoints 2 to state Supreme Court, both had worked as federal prosecutors