The Vermont Supreme Court will see a significant change as Associate Justice Karen R. Carroll has announced her retirement plans. Justice Carroll informed Governor Phil Scott of her decision to retire by August 2025, after serving in the high court position since April 2017. Her career has been defined by dedication to the legal system and service to the residents of Vermont.
Justice Carroll's legal journey began long before her Supreme Court role. Sworn in by Governor Scott, she served as a Superior Court Judge across multiple divisions in Windham, Windsor, and Bennington Counties. Her judicial career was initiated by then-Governor Howard Dean, who appointed her as a trial court judge in December 2000. Her educational path included graduating from Proctor High School, Salve Regina College, and Vermont Law School, before serving as a deputy state's attorney in Windham County, where she gained experience prosecuting serious felony cases. This led her to the Vermont Attorney General’s Office as Prosecutor for the Southern Vermont Drug Task Force, following which she served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont.
Chief Justice Paul Reiber commended Justice Carroll's career, stating, "Justice Carroll has had an outstanding legal career as a lawyer, prosecutor and jurist. Court users have benefitted greatly from her tireless service on the bench and from her long-standing commitment to access to justice principles. The Judiciary wishes Justice Carroll all the best in her upcoming well-deserved retirement."
Beyond her judicial duties, Justice Carroll was actively involved in various state committees. She chaired the Access to Justice Coalition and co-chaired the Vermont Judiciary Committee on Mental Health and the Courts, committing her efforts to improve judicial processes and access to justice.
As Vermont prepares for this transition, the legacy of Justice Carroll stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication and service.