Despite a record of reprimands and a currently suspended law license, Caledonia County Probate Judge William Cobb is still running for reelection in November.
Cobb, currently suspended from his probate court position with pay, wouldn’t be able to resume his judicial responsibilities until October 2023. Meanwhile, to finish out his current term, the state is paying other judges to cover for him.
Annette Lorraine, a Peacham lawyer with nearly 30 years of experience who was surprised to find Cobb was going to be on the ballot, is running for probate judge as an independent.
“I just assumed that he would withdraw from the race,” Lorraine said. “It’s clear that he’s ethically challenged both as an attorney and as a judge. And then on top of it all, he can’t work as a judge, but he’s still collecting a paycheck that’s paid by the taxpayer.”
Cobb declined to comment over the phone, instead saying he would provide a written statement, which he did not send by the time of publication.
Cobb’s license to practice law was suspended in May by Vermont’s Professional Responsibility Board, which investigates ethics complaints against attorneys. The panel imposed a 15-month suspension, writing that he had been “dishonest and deceptive” and had shown “little remorse.” The Vermont Supreme Court later signed off on Cobb’s paid suspension from his judgeship.
Cobb is also the sole practitioner of a St. Johnsbury law firm.
The panel sanctioned him on five counts related to two different cases. According to the findings, Cobb disclosed confidential juvenile records and confidential client information, failed to provide competent representation because he did not review recordings of alleged victim interviews or follow his client’s wishes about modifying conditions of release, and misrepresented his timekeeping.
Probate judges handle estates, trusts and wills; alterations of birth, death and marriage records; and adoptions and guardianships, among other responsibilities. The position requires holding a law license.
According to Chief Superior Court Judge Thomas Zonay, Windham County Probate Judge Jodi French is covering Cobb’s workload in Caledonia County, with Orange County Probate Judge Kathryn Kennedy serving as a backup.
The judges are paid additionally for their work in Caledonia County, Zonay said. The hourly pay for coverage is $70.23, according to Leda Moloff, general counsel of the Office of the State Court Administrator. She did not specify how many hours of coverage have been necessary.
Cobb is still receiving his $61,412 annual salary, despite not being able to do his job. His law license, suspended on July 10, will not be restored until October 2023, though the Professional Responsibility Board decision is currently under appeal before the Vermont Supreme Court.
In December 2020, Vermont’s Judicial Conduct Board sanctioned Cobb for abusing his judicial position to gain an advantage for one of his clients facing criminal charges. The board did not specify the nature of that abuse, and Cobb was instructed to undergo a yearlong mentorship with another judge. According to Lynn Wdowiak, clerk for the Judicial Conduct Board, there was no reporting requirement for that sanction.
Lorraine, who previously served as a selectboard member in Peacham, said her decades as an attorney make her qualified for the role. As part of her campaign, she’s informed residents about Cobb’s previous indiscretions.
“Before I started campaigning, not many people knew about it,” she said. “People are pretty outraged to find out that my opponent isn’t qualified to serve right now and won’t be qualified for at least another year.”
