Eaton will replace Associate Justice Geoffrey Crawford, who was named to the federal bench this summer.
Eaton was appointed to his trial court position in 2004 by Gov. James Douglas. According to a news release from the governor’s office, Eaton, 59, was in private practice for 21 years before that. He also served as an assistant state’s attorney in Chittenden County.
“I am greatly honored that Gov. Shumlin has chosen me to serve on the Supreme Court,” Eaton said in a statement. “Vermont is a special place and Vermonters are a special people. I look forward to meeting the challenges that are ahead and am humbled by this opportunity to serve the people of my home.”
Eaton was born in Windsor and grew up in Woodstock. He attended the University of Vermont and Vermont Law School, making him the first VLS graduate to be named to the state Supreme Court, the release said.
“Duke is a person of remarkable compassion with a deep understanding of our Judiciary at all levels,” Shumlin said in a statement. “He comes from a proud family tradition of ensuring that our legal system serves the needs of all Vermonters. His deep sense of fairness and long-standing commitment to our courts make him an excellent addition to our Supreme Court.”
Crawford served about six months as a Supreme Court justice before being named a U.S. District Court judge.
If approved by the state Senate, Eaton will join Chief Justice Paul Reiber and Associate Justices Marilyn Skoglund, John Dooley and Beth Robinson on the five-member high court.