NCJW Supports Justice Beth Robinson. Here’s why:
Justice Beth Robinson currently serves on the Vermont Supreme Court. A pioneer in shaping the litigation and legislative strategy behind same-sex marriage, Justice Robinson made history in 2011 as the first openly LGBTQ Justice on the Vermont Supreme Court. If confirmed by the Senate, she would be the first openly lesbian judge to serve on a federal appellate court.
LGBTQ Rights:
Justice Robinson served as co-counsel in the case of Baker v. State, the landmark 1999 decision that led to Vermont becoming the first state to enact civil unions. Ten years later, she chaired Vermont Freedom to Marry, helping the state legalize same-sex marriage.
Workers Rights:
Justice Robinson wrote for a unanimous court in favor of a police officer, holding that his employment agreement was in conflict with his collective bargaining agreement between the city and his union.
Judicial Temperament:
Justice Robinson has heard nearly 1,800 appeals during her decade on the court, impartially and fairly applying the law. Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) recommended Justice Robinson to President Biden, calling her “a tireless champion for equal rights and equal justice in the mold of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.”
Justice Beth Robinson’s experience and education:
Experience:
Justice Robinson spent most of her career in private practice, first in the Washington, DC Office of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom as an associate and then the law firm of Langrock Sperry & Wool, where she worked for 18 years. Throughout her time at Langrock, Justice Robinson practiced family law, personal injury, employment law, and workers’ compensation. She served as counsel to Governor Peter Shumlin for one year before the Governor appointed her to the Vermont Supreme Court as an associate justice in 2011. Justice Robinson was unanimously confirmed by the Vermont Senate.
Education and Clerkships:
Justice Robinson graduated from Dartmouth College and the University of Chicago Law School. After law school, she clerked for Judge David Sentelle on the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit.
Professional Affiliations and Pro Bono Work:
Justice Robinson founded the Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force, Vermonters for Civil Unions, and the Vermont Fund for Families. During her time at Langrock Sperry & Wool, she worked pro bono to advance LGBTQ rights in Vermont. The firm received the American Bar Association’s Human Rights Hero award for Justice Robinson’s trailblazing work. Justice Robinson has served as President of the Addison County Humane Society and on the Vermont Girl Scout Council. She has also coached basketball at local elementary and middle schools and has volunteered with Vermont’s Hospice program.