Governor Peter Shumlin has announced he will appoint Judge Harold "Duke" Eaton, Jr. to serve on the Vermont Supreme Court.
Eaton fills the seat left open by Justice Geoffrey Crawford's appointment to the federal district court.
Shumlin called Eaton a judge of remarkable compassion and said he has a deep understanding of Vermont's judiciary.
“I really felt strongly that we needed someone who really was compassionate, knows the law inside and out, understands Vermont. But most importantly, can get along with anybody and make them feel like the most important person in the room as you’re approaching what can be a very intimidating process," Shumlin said.
Eaton was appointed to Vermont's trial courts by Governor Jim Douglas in 2004, after a 21-year career in private legal practice, based in Woodstock. He had worked as a deputy state's attorney in Chittenden County early in his career.
The Windsor native attended Woodstock Union High School, the University of Vermont, and Vermont Law School. He'll be the first Vermont Law School graduate to serve on the state Supreme Court.
