Lanthier's Path to the United States District Court for the District of Vermont
The appointment of a federal judge is a rigorous process that demands a deep foundation in legal practice and a proven track record of service. The career of Lanthier exemplifies this journey, moving from early roles as a law clerk to a distinguished tenure as a public defender and educator, culminating in a nomination to the federal bench.
Professional Legal Career
Lanthier began her legal career in 1996, serving as a law clerk for judges within the Vermont Trial Court, specifically covering the Addison and Chittenden County Courts until 1998. This early experience provided a foundational understanding of trial court operations.
Following her clerkship, she transitioned into private and public practice. From 1998 to 2000, she worked as an associate at Keiner & Dumont, PC. She then dedicated several years to public service as a public defender with the Addison County Public Defender's Office from 2000 to 2003.
Between 2003 and 2007, Lanthier served as a partner at Marsh & Wagner, PC. She returned to public defense in 2007, taking on a leadership role as the supervising attorney in the Rutland County Public Defender's Office, a position she held until 2024.
Beyond her practice, Lanthier contributed to the legal community as a past chair of the Vermont chapter of the American College of Trial Lawyers. She also shared her expertise in academia, serving as an adjunct professor at the Vermont Law and Graduate School from 2017 to 2023.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Federal Judicial Nomination and Confirmation
On May 23, 2024, President Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate Lanthier to the United States District Court for the District of Vermont. She was nominated to fill the seat vacated by Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford, who transitioned to senior status—a form of semi-retirement for federal judges—on August 9, 2024.
The formal nomination process moved through the U.S. Senate with the following milestones:
- June 4, 2024: Nomination officially sent to the Senate.
- June 20, 2024: Hearing held before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
- August 1, 2024: Reported out of committee with a 13–7 vote.
- September 11, 2024: The Senate invoked cloture (a procedure to end debate) by a 55–42 vote and confirmed her nomination by the same 55–42 margin.
Lanthier received her judicial commission on September 12, 2024, and was officially sworn in on September 17, 2024.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Current Role: United States District Judge for the District of Vermont.
- Confirmation Date: September 11, 2024.
- Previous Leadership: Supervising attorney at the Rutland County Public Defender's Office (2007–2024).
- Academic Experience: Adjunct professor at Vermont Law and Graduate School (2017–2023).
- Confirmation Vote: 55–42 in the United States Senate.
Career Summary Table
| Period | Role/Position | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1996–1998 | Law Clerk | Vermont Trial Court (Chittenden & Addison Counties) |
| 1998–2000 | Associate | Keiner & Dumont, PC |
| 2000–2003 | Public Defender | Addison County Public Defender's Office |
| 2003–2007 | Partner | Marsh & Wagner, PC |
| 2007–2024 | Supervising Attorney | Rutland County Public Defender's Office |
| 2017–2023 | Adjunct Professor | Vermont Law and Graduate School |
| 2024 | District Judge | U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who nominated Lanthier to the federal bench?
President Joe Biden nominated Lanthier to serve as a United States district judge.
Which judge did Lanthier replace?
She filled the seat vacated by Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford, who assumed senior status on August 9, 2024.
What was Lanthier's experience before becoming a judge?
Her experience includes serving as a law clerk, a private practice associate and partner, a supervising attorney for the Rutland County Public Defender's Office, and an adjunct professor.
When was Lanthier officially sworn in?
Lanthier was sworn in on September 17, 2024, after receiving her commission on September 12, 2024.
What was the final Senate vote for her confirmation?
The United States Senate confirmed her nomination with a vote of 55–42 on September 11, 2024.