The Supreme Court wrapped up its term on Thursday, with Chief Justice John Roberts announcing the completion of all cases submitted for the 2021-2022 session before the justices head into their summer recess.
In a tradition that often goes unnoticed amid the Court’s high-profile rulings, Roberts took a moment to honor retiring staff members whose collective service totals more than 500 years to the nation’s highest court. The recognition comes at the end of one of the Court’s most consequential terms in recent history.
Centuries of Service Recognized
“Collectively, these individuals have rendered more than five centuries of Supreme Court service,” Roberts noted in his announcement, before naming nearly twenty employees retiring from various departments including the Clerk’s Office, Marshal’s Office, chambers staff, and Supreme Court Police.
Among those recognized was Michele “Shelly” Blincoe, who is retiring with more than 39 years of service – the longest tenure among those honored. Chief Deputy Marshal Richard Nelson will depart after more than 18 years at the Court but with a remarkable 48 years of total federal service.
The Chief Justice also paused to remember those lost during the year. “We sadly note deaths among long-serving employees this year,” he stated, mentioning Virginia Singletary who passed away after more than 41 years of service, along with Raymond Billeaud and Moses Humes, who had served for decades.
Technology and Library Leadership
What does it take to keep the nation’s highest court functioning during a global pandemic? Roberts specifically highlighted Robert J. Hawkins, retiring Director of Information Technology, for his leadership during the COVID-19 crisis.
“He and his team were creative, agile, and essential in allowing us to discharge the public’s work through the coronavirus pandemic,” Roberts acknowledged, recognizing Hawkins’ more than 27 years of service to the Court.
Linda S. Maslow, who has served as the 11th Librarian of the Court since 2012, was also recognized for her nearly 34 years of service. Under her leadership, Roberts noted that the Library embraced digital tools while maintaining its unique collection and tradition of responsiveness to the Justices and Court staff.
Court Recesses Until October
The Court will remain in recess until the first Monday in October 2022, when the current term will officially adjourn and the new term begins. Before concluding, Roberts expressed gratitude to all Court employees and members of the bar for their “professionalism and cooperation” throughout the term.
These acknowledgments offer a rare glimpse into the institutional workings of the Supreme Court, where hundreds of dedicated employees work behind the scenes to support the nine justices in their constitutional duties.
As the justices disperse for summer, they leave behind a term marked by historic decisions and the first confirmation of a Black woman, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, to the high court. Meanwhile, the staff members they honored today represent the continuity and institutional memory that keep the Court functioning through changing times and compositions.
