by VDC staff

Governor Phil Scott on Monday announced the appointment of Christina Nolan of Burlington and Michael Drescher of Hinesburg to the Vermont Supreme Court, selecting two longtime prosecutors with extensive experience in state and federal courts.

“Naming justices to the Vermont Supreme Court is one of the greatest responsibilities for any governor,” Scott said in a statement. “These appointments are important to maintain the trust of Vermonters in a fair and independent legal system. Christina and Michael both demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to public service, the rule of law, justice and will be great additions to the Court.”

Nolan, a native Vermonter and GOP candidate for U.S. Senator in 2022, has built a career focused on complex civil litigation, government enforcement actions, False Claims Act cases, white-collar matters, felony criminal defense and internal investigations. She previously served as both a state and federal prosecutor, trying more than a dozen jury cases and appearing before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

“I grew up on a dirt road in Westford, the oldest of four children, with parents who nourished the early calling I felt to public service,” Nolan said. “This is an opportunity like no other to continue to make a positive difference in the lives of Vermonters and to uphold the rule of the law and the Constitution. I am humbled by the Governor’s confidence in me and by this new opportunity to serve the state I call home.”

From 2010 to 2021, Nolan worked at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont, first as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Criminal Division and later as U.S. attorney. She was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate following a bipartisan recommendation from then-Sen. Patrick Leahy and Gov. Scott.

Drescher brings more than three decades of legal experience to the bench. After graduating from law school, he clerked for Judge Fred I. Parker, Vermont’s judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. He later joined the Burlington law firm now known as Sheehey Furlong & Behm PC, becoming a partner in 2000 and litigating cases in Vermont Superior Court, before the Public Service Board, and in federal court.

In late 2001, Drescher joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont as an assistant U.S. attorney. Since January 2002, he has served in that role, including as first assistant U.S. attorney. Following the resignation of U.S. Attorney Nikolas Kerest, Drescher has led the office, managing a staff of about 50 attorneys, investigators and other legal professionals.

“Having the opportunity to join the men and women of the Vermont judiciary is an extraordinary privilege, and I am deeply honored to have been selected by the Governor to serve on the Supreme Court,” Drescher said. “I have spent the last 30 years working with and appearing before Vermont judges in state and federal courts. Drawing on that experience, I pledge to help lead a court system in which everyone is treated with dignity and respect, justice is administered fairly and efficiently, and individual rights are protected.”

Drescher earned a degree in mathematics from Dartmouth College and his law degree from Northwestern University in Chicago. He is married to Christina Drescher, and the couple has two daughters who live in the Boston area.

Both Nolan and Drescher were recommended to the governor by the Judicial Nominating Board as well-qualified candidates. Dates for their swearing-in ceremonies will be announced later.