Ex-Prosecutor Nolan Tapped for Vermont Supreme Court

Christina Nolan, formerly the U.S. attorney for Vermont, has been nominated by Governor Phil Scott to serve on the Vermont Supreme Court. Her tenure as federal prosecutor was marked by significant cases, including the Jay Peak EB-5 scandal, which was the largest fraud in Vermont's history, and the Purdue Pharma investigation that yielded substantial opioid settlement funds for the state. Nolan's appointment, along with that of Michael Drescher, aims to fill two vacancies created by the upcoming retirements of Justices Karen Carroll and William Cohen in 2025.

Governor Scott highlighted both Nolan and Drescher's "extraordinary commitment to public service, the rule of law, and justice." Nolan, who previously served as the first woman to hold the top federal prosecutor role in Vermont, also gained prominence for her stance on public health initiatives in Burlington. Her nomination follows her unsuccessful bid for the U.S. Senate in 2022. Both nominees require confirmation by the Vermont Senate, with their terms set to end on March 31, 2029.

The Vermont Supreme Court, as the state's court of last resort, hears appeals from lower courts and exercises administrative control over the judicial system. If confirmed, Nolan and Drescher will join the court as associate justices, earning approximately $215,300 annually. The court, composed of a chief justice and four associate justices, including current members Paul Reiber, Harold Eaton Jr., and Nancy Waples, will see all five justices up for retention on March 31, 2029.