WASHINGTON. (WCAX) – The confirmation hearing for attorney Mary Kay Lanthier of Orwell to become a Vermont District Court judge began today in Washington.
President Biden nominated Lanthier to fill the seat of Judge Geoffrey Crawford with the joint recommendation of senators Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch.
Lanthier began her legal career as a judicial law clerk for the trial courts in Chittenden and Addison counties.
She now serves as the supervising attorney at the Rutland County Public Defender’s Office, a position she’s held for 17 years.
Today she was questioned by the U.S. Senate judiciary committee, and Vermont’s senators sang her praises.
“I’ve been a member of the Vermont Bar for many decades. I know the Bar, the court, and the state will benefit from her incredible service,” said Welch.
“She will be an excellent district court judge for Rutland and for the state of Vermont. I’m confident that she will treat everyone in the courtroom with the compassion, respect, and dignity they deserve, and I would strongly encourage this committee to report out her nomination favorably,” said Sanders.
The Senate panel did not take a vote on her nomination today. Sanders and Welch say they will continue to guide Lanthier’s nomination through the Senate.