WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Judiciary Committee today considered the nomination of Mary Kay Lanthier, of Orwell, Vermont, to be the next District Court judge for the District of Vermont. Lanthier was recently nominated by President Joe Biden at the joint recommendation of Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.).

Sanders joined the hearing today to introduce Lanthier and welcome her family to the United States Senate. Welch, who is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, presided over the hearing.

“As we started to consider potential nominees to fill the upcoming vacancy in Vermont, it became clear that Mary Kay Lanthier’s deep experience, high ethical standards, commitment to service as a public defender, and respect of her peers make her a superior choice to serve Vermont and the federal bench in this new role,” said Sanders and Welch in a joint statement following the hearing. “Mary Kay Lanthier is highly qualified and ready to fill the shoes of Chief Judge Crawford.” 

The livestream of the hearing, including Sanders’ and Welch’s remarks, can be viewed HERE.

Mary Kay Lanthier began her legal career as a judicial law clerk for the trial courts in Chittenden County and Addison County. Today, Lanthier serves as the Supervising Attorney at the Rutland County Public Defender’s Office, a position she has held since 2007. Prior to her position at the Rutland County Public Defender’s Office, Lanthier worked in private practice and public defense, working primarily on family law, workers’ compensation, and criminal cases. Lanthier received her undergraduate degree from Amherst College and her law degree from Northeastern University School of Law. From 2017-2023, she taught evidence labs at Vermont Law School. 

Sanders and Welch will continue to guide Ms. Lanthier’s nomination through the Senate. 

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