After an intense and consequential term, the Supreme Court of the United States officially closed its doors for the summer on June 30, 2022, with Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. announcing the completion of all cases for the term and the Court’s traditional recess until October.
In his closing statement, Roberts took a moment to recognize something that often goes unnoticed in the high-profile world of constitutional law: the extraordinary dedication of the Court’s long-serving staff, many of whom are now retiring with what he called “more than five centuries” of collective service to the nation’s highest court.
“I am authorized to announce that the Court has acted upon all cases submitted to the Court for decision this Term,” Roberts stated. “The Court will then be in recess from today until the first Monday in October 2022, at which time the October 2021 Term of the Court will be adjourned, and the October 2022 Term of the Court will begin, as provided by law.”
Decades of Service Behind the Scenes
Behind every Supreme Court decision lies an infrastructure of dedicated professionals whose names rarely make headlines but whose work proves essential to the functioning of America’s judicial system. This year’s departures represent a significant changing of the guard across multiple Court departments.
From the Clerk’s Office, Michael Duggan and Gary Kemp are retiring with approximately three decades of service each. The Marshal’s Office will say goodbye to several veterans, including Chief Deputy Marshal Richard Nelson, whose career spans an impressive 48 years of federal service, with more than 18 years specifically at the Court. Dannie Veney departs after more than 38 years, while Earnest Hicks and Willie Clayton conclude careers of 36 and 25 years respectively at the institution, the Chief Justice noted.
What does it mean for an institution when such institutional memory walks out the door? The Court’s chambers will particularly feel the absence of Michele “Shelly” Blincoe, who retires after nearly four decades of service, along with Janice Harley (36 years) and Toni Daluge (14 years).
The Supreme Court Police, whose role has taken on renewed significance amid increased security concerns, will lose several veteran officers. Jeff Banaszak concludes more than 31 years of service, while Bernard Bishop, Eliud Rodriguez, Arthur Mackie, Jeff Cooper, and Casey Hills all retire after careers ranging from 20 to 27 years protecting the Court and its personnel, according to the Chief Justice’s announcement.
Technological and Knowledge Leadership
Two key departmental leaders were singled out for special recognition. Robert J. Hawkins, the Court’s Director of Information Technology, retires after more than 27 years. His leadership proved especially crucial during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Mr. Hawkins ably led a department that provides key support to nearly every aspect of Court operations,” Roberts explained. “He and his team were creative, agile, and essential in allowing us to discharge the public’s work through the coronavirus pandemic.”
The Court will also bid farewell to Linda S. Maslow, who has served as the 11th Librarian of the Court since 2012 and concludes nearly 34 years of service. Under her guidance, the Library navigated the digital revolution while maintaining 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,” the Chief Justice acknowledged.
Remembering Those Lost
The Court’s announcement took a somber turn as Roberts acknowledged several long-serving employees who passed away during the term. Virginia Singletary died after more than 41 years of Supreme Court service, while Raymond Billeaud, a Supreme Court Police Officer for more than 21 years, also passed away. Moses Humes died shortly after retiring from a career that included more than 22 years at the Court and a total of 47 years in federal service.
Throughout his remarks, Roberts emphasized the essential role these behind-the-scenes professionals play. “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,” he remarked.
The Court’s summer recess comes after a historically consequential term that included landmark decisions on abortion rights, environmental regulation, and gun control. Yet amidst these jurisprudential earthquakes, Roberts made sure to recognize those whose loyalty to the institution transcends the political debates that often surround it.
“The Court thanks our retiring employees for dedicated public service to Court and Country,” Roberts concluded. “We wish each of you well in your retirement.”
