September 17, office of the Governor. Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott today announced the appointment of Jessica Seman of Reading as Family Division Magistrate serving the southeastern region of the state and Patricia Gabel of Stowe as Assistant Judge in Lamoille County.

About Jessica Seman

Jessica began her legal career as a Law Clerk for the New Hampshire Judiciary, and then spent several years in private practice. For the past 10 years, Jessica has worked for the Vermont Office of Child Support, as both a Staff Attorney and most recently the Managing Attorney. 

A native Vermonter, Jessica grew up in Woodstock.  She is a graduate of Smith College with a dual degree in anthropology and studio art.  She graduated Cum Laude from Vermont Law School, where she was a member of the Vermont Law Review.

About Patricia Gabel

Patricia began her legal career working in private practice, advising clients on a range of business, employment and conflict resolution matters. In 2013, the Supreme Court of Vermont appointed her as the Vermont State Court Administrator. After retiring in 2021, she returned to private practice and most recently served as the Interim Chief of Finance and Administration for the Maine Judicial Branch. 

Gabel is a graduate of Vassar College and the Albany Law School of Union University, where she served as a Chief Notes Editor of the Albany Law Review. She is a Fellow of Harvard’s Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, where she studied negotiation and conflict resolution during her year in residence.