The Supreme Court is taking a break after concluding a momentous and controversial term, with Chief Justice John Roberts acknowledging the collective service of retiring employees who have dedicated more than 500 years to the nation’s highest court.
In remarks delivered Thursday, Roberts announced that the Court had completed its work for the current session. “I am authorized to announce that the Court has acted upon all cases submitted to the Court for decision this Term,” Roberts stated, noting that the Court would remain in recess until the first Monday in October when the new term begins.
A Half-Millennium of Service
Perhaps most striking was Roberts’ acknowledgment of the departing staff members whose combined tenure represents more than five centuries of service. “Collectively, these individuals have rendered more than five centuries of Supreme Court service,” the Chief Justice remarked – a staggering figure that underscores the institutional knowledge walking out the door.
The list of retirees spans every department of the Court. From the Clerk’s Office, Michael Duggan is leaving after more than three decades, while Gary Kemp departs after nearly 30 years. The Marshal’s Office will bid farewell to Dannie Veney, who served for more than 38 years, along with Earnest Hicks (36+ years) and Willie Clayton (25+ years).
Chief Deputy Marshal Richard Nelson’s departure is particularly notable – he retires with more than 18 years at the Court but an impressive 48 years of total federal service. That’s nearly a half-century dedicated to government work.
What does it mean when an institution loses so much institutional memory at once? The Court’s chambers will see the retirement of Michele “Shelly” Blincoe after more than 39 years, Janice Harley after more than 36 years, and Toni Daluge after more than 14 years.
Security and Technology Transitions
The Supreme Court Police, which has faced heightened scrutiny following recent protests outside Justices’ homes and security concerns, will lose six veteran officers. Jeff Banaszak (31+ years), Bernard Bishop (27+ years), Eliud Rodriguez (26+ years), Arthur Mackie (25+ years), and Jeff Cooper and Casey Hills (each with 20+ years) are all retiring.
The Court also acknowledged the passing of several long-serving employees: Virginia Singletary, who had more than 41 years of service; Raymond Billeaud, a police officer with more than 21 years on the force; and Moses Humes, who died shortly after retiring with more than 22 years at the Court and 47 years in federal service.
In the technology realm, Robert J. Hawkins is stepping down as Director of Information Technology after more than 27 years. Roberts praised Hawkins’ leadership during the pandemic: “Mr. Hawkins ably led a department that provides key support to nearly every aspect of Court operations. He and his team were creative, agile, and essential in allowing us to discharge the public’s work through the coronavirus pandemic.”
The Court’s library – a crucial resource for justices researching precedent and legal history – will see a change in leadership as well. Linda S. Maslow, who has served as the 11th Librarian of the Court since 2012, is retiring after nearly 34 years. Roberts credited her with modernizing the library while preserving its traditional strengths: “Ms. Maslow has guided our Library to embrace digital tools and resources while safeguarding its unique collection and extending a tradition of outstanding responsiveness to the Justices, employees, and bar members.”
Court Expresses Gratitude
Beyond the retiring staff, Roberts also took a moment to thank the entire Court staff and members of the bar for their work during a term that included several landmark decisions on abortion, gun rights, and environmental regulation.
“On behalf of all the Justices, I would like to thank the Supreme Court employees for their outstanding work and dedication to their important responsibilities this Term. I thank the members of the Court’s bar as well for their professionalism and cooperation,” Roberts stated.
As these longtime employees depart, they take with them decades of experience that shaped the functioning of America’s highest court. The Chief Justice concluded his remarks with words that seemed to acknowledge both the personal and institutional significance of their service: “The Court thanks our retiring employees for dedicated public service to Court and Country. We wish each of you well in your retirement.”
