John Dooley was appointed an associate justice on the Vermont Supreme Court in 1987 by then-Gov. Madeleine Kunin. On the court, Dooley earned a reputation as a liberal voice.
Court Administrator Patricia Gabel confirmed Friday that Dooley did not file to seek retention at the end of his current term. That means that he will leave the bench at the end of his current term on March 31 or once his successor is appointed.
Dooley announced his retirement in an interview with WCAX Thursday.
Dooley, 72, grew up in New Hampshire. He attended Union College in New York for his undergraduate degree, then studied law at Boston College.
Before joining the Supreme Court bench, he served as Kunin’s secretary of administration from 1985 to 1987.
Members of Vermont’s legal community reflected on Dooley’s legacy on the court.
Defender General Matt Valerio said that Dooley has been an important voice on the Supreme Court.
“As far as a legal mind and a legal intellect, he’s a guy who I think is going to be missed from the court,” Valerio said.
Chief Superior Judge Brian Grearson also lauded Dooley’s record.
“Justice Dooley’s contribution to the Vermont Judiciary is recognized not only by his dedicated length of service but more importantly the quality of the decisions that he rendered during that time,” Grearson said.
