Judge Reiss: A Career in State and Federal Judiciary
The legal career of Judge Reiss is defined by a steady progression from private practice and clerkships to high-ranking positions within both state and federal judicial systems. With a foundation built in Maine and Vermont, Reiss has spent decades contributing to the administration of justice in the New England region.
Early Legal Career and Private Practice
Reiss began her professional journey in 1989, serving as a clerk for the Maine Supreme Judicial Court until 1990. This initial experience in the state's highest court provided a critical foundation for her subsequent work in the legal field.
Following her clerkship, Reiss entered private practice. From 1990 to 1992, she worked with the law firm of Perkins, Thompson, Hinckley & Keddy in Portland, Maine. She then transitioned to Burlington, Vermont, where she practiced with the firm of Sheehey, Brue, Gray & Furlong from 1992 until 2001.
Her experience in private practice culminated in a partnership with the law firm of Gravel and Shea in Burlington, where she served as a partner from 2001 until 2004.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Transition to the State Bench
In August 2004, Reiss moved from private practice to public service when she was appointed as a district judge, marking her first entry into the state judiciary.
Federal Judicial Appointment and Leadership
The transition to the federal level began in July 2009, when United States Senator Patrick Leahy recommended Reiss for a nomination to the United States District Court for the District of Vermont. This vacancy was created by Judge John Garvan Murtha, who had assumed senior status (a form of semi-retirement for federal judges that allows them to continue hearing a reduced caseload).
President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate Reiss on October 9, 2009, and formally submitted the nomination to the United States Senate on October 13, 2009. The Senate confirmed her by unanimous consent on November 21, 2009, and she received her judicial commission on December 21, 2009.
Since joining the federal bench, Reiss has held significant leadership roles. She served her first term as Chief Judge from 2010 to 2017 and began a second term in this leadership capacity on July 21, 2024.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- First Judicial Role: Appointed as a state district judge in August 2004.
- Federal Appointment: Nominated by President Barack Obama in 2009.
- Senate Confirmation: Confirmed by unanimous consent on November 21, 2009.
- Leadership: Served as Chief Judge from 2010–2017 and again starting July 21, 2024.
- Legal Roots: Practiced law in both Portland, Maine, and Burlington, Vermont.
Career Timeline Summary
| Period | Role/Position | Organization/Court |
|---|---|---|
| 1989–1990 | Clerk | Maine Supreme Judicial Court |
| 1990–1992 | Attorney | Perkins, Thompson, Hinckley & Keddy |
| 1992–2001 | Attorney | Sheehey, Brue, Gray & Furlong |
| 2001–2004 | Partner | Gravel and Shea |
| 2004–2009 | District Judge | State Bench |
| 2009–Present | District Judge | U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who nominated Judge Reiss to the federal bench?
President Barack Obama nominated Judge Reiss following a recommendation from United States Senator Patrick Leahy.
Which seat did Judge Reiss fill on the District of Vermont court?
She filled the seat vacated by Judge John Garvan Murtha, who had assumed senior status.
How was Judge Reiss confirmed by the United States Senate?
She was confirmed by unanimous consent on November 21, 2009.
When did Judge Reiss serve as Chief Judge?
Judge Reiss served an initial term as Chief Judge from 2010 to 2017 and began a second term on July 21, 2024.
Where did Judge Reiss practice law before becoming a judge?
Reiss practiced law in Portland, Maine, with Perkins, Thompson, Hinckley & Keddy, and in Burlington, Vermont, with Sheehey, Brue, Gray & Furlong and Gravel and Shea.