Chief Justice John Roberts marked the end of a historic Supreme Court term Thursday, announcing the Court’s imminent summer recess while honoring six retiring employees who collectively dedicated more than 150 years of service to the nation’s highest court.
“The Court will be in recess from today until the first Monday in October 2020,” Roberts declared from the bench, noting that all cases submitted during the October 2019 term had been decided. The final Order List from Wednesday’s conference would be released at 2 p.m., bringing formal closure to a term marked by several landmark decisions and unprecedented telephonic arguments due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Breaking Barriers: Historic “Firsts” Among Departing Staff
In a moment that highlighted the Court’s evolving history, Roberts paid special tribute to two pioneering women who shattered glass ceilings within the institution. Christine Luchok Fallon, retiring after nine years as Reporter of Decisions, was recognized as “the first woman to hold the position.” During her tenure, she oversaw the publication of nearly 30 volumes of Supreme Court Reports.
“Ms. Fallon, we thank you for your service, which you have performed with exemplary diligence and skill,” Roberts said, acknowledging her contribution to the Court’s jurisprudential record.
Perhaps most visibly, Marshal Pamela Talkin—who has sat beside the bench during more than 1,300 arguments over 19 years—received special recognition as she prepares to step down on July 31. The Court’s top administrative official, who supervises 260 employees and manages the building’s security and operations, also made history as the first woman to serve as Marshal.
“Marshal Talkin, we thank you for your exceptional service to the Court,” Roberts stated, his words carrying particular weight given the Marshal’s prominent role in maintaining the Court’s daily functions.
Decades of Dedication
What does it take to keep the nation’s highest court running smoothly? Often, it’s the behind-the-scenes staff members whose combined experience spans generations.
Roberts acknowledged four additional retiring employees whose service ranged from 28 to more than 40 years. James Baker is departing after more than 35 years in the Marshal’s Office, while Agent Andrew Ruggles concludes more than 28 years with the Supreme Court Police. From the Clerk’s Office, Melissa Walters retired last July after nearly 28 years, and Kathleen Tycz concluded an extraordinary four-decade career.
The Chief Justice expressed the Court’s gratitude to all staff members who contributed to the institution’s operations during a challenging term. “The commitment and professionalism of all the Court staff contribute significantly to the accomplishments of the Court’s mission,” he said.
Roberts also thanked members of the Court’s bar for their “professionalism and cooperation” throughout the term, acknowledging the legal community’s adaptation to unprecedented procedural changes.
The Court’s summer recess begins as justices complete one of the most unusual terms in recent memory—one that included a historic impeachment trial, telephonic oral arguments broadcast live for the first time, and several landmark decisions on issues ranging from LGBTQ workplace rights to presidential immunity.
To the six departing employees who witnessed the Court’s evolution across decades of American jurisprudence, Roberts offered a final tribute: “The Court thanks each of you for your dedicated public service to Court and Country. We wish each of you well in your retirement.”
