Updated at 4:31 p.m.
Gov. Phil Scott has appointed former state’s attorney Rory Thibault as a Superior Court judge, the governor’s office announced Friday.
Thibault, 40, of Cabot, has practiced law for more than 15 years, including five years as the top prosecutor in Washington County. He previously served as an assistant attorney general, deputy state’s attorney and judge advocate with the U.S. Army, where he earned the rank of major, according to a press release from Scott’s office.
Thibault ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for Vermont Attorney General last year, losing to Charity Clark, who went on to win the seat in the general election. Thibault has highlighted his experience in criminal law, particularly with cases involving sexual violence, domestic abuse and child exploitation.
As Washington County state’s attorney, Thibault has said he emphasized a proactive and holistic approach to public safety, including supporting restorative justice and drug treatment court.
“Rory has a proven track record of public service in Vermont throughout his time as a prosecutor, in the U.S. Army and as an active member in his community,” Scott, a Republican, said in a statement. “I’m confident his experience, work ethic and temperament will make him a strong Superior Court judge.”
Thibault thanked the governor for his “trust and confidence,” in a statement with the press release. “I am excited to begin this new chapter in my career and look forward to being part of a judiciary committed to promoting fair and efficient justice for all Vermonters,” he said.
Thibault is scheduled to be sworn in as a judge on Monday, and he’ll soon after undergo training and orientation for the position, said Therese Corsones, the state court administrator. His primary judicial assignments will be in the Northeast Kingdom counties of Caledonia, Essex and Orleans, she said.
Thibault is the 15th person Scott has appointed to the Superior Court bench since he became governor in 2017, in addition to three picks for Vermont Supreme Court justices. Ten men and eight women make up those 18 selections. Of the 15 Superior Court judges Scott has appointed, 10 have extensive criminal prosecutorial backgrounds.
The governor appoints judges and justices from candidates submitted to him by the state’s judicial nominating board.
With the appointment of Thibault and two other attorneys in April, only one Superior Court judgeship remains open, Corsones said. But court officials anticipate three new vacancies because of upcoming retirements, she said.
Thibault earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Richmond, then attended Vermont Law School. He is a member of the Vermont Sentencing Commission and previously served as a member of the Governor’s Community Violence Prevention Task Force. Thibault and his wife have two children.
