The Supreme Court justices administer the Vermont court system with the assistance of the court administrator and the chief superior judge. Court-appointed boards and committees also provide support to the court.

The Office of the State Court Administrator

The court administrator provides leadership and support to judges and court staff. This enables them to resolve disputes in a fair, expeditious, and inexpensive way. The court administrator has responsibility for the management of the court system, including:

  • Budgetary and personnel matters
  • Computer services
  • Recordkeeping
  • Court security
  • Judicial and employee education

The court administrator also acts as a liaison. This ensures good communication between the Supreme Court and its various boards and committees. It also advances the relationship between the courts and the other branches of government.

Divisions in the Court Administrator’s Office

Personnel in the Court Administrator’s Office assist with the management of the state court system. They track the operation of the Judiciary and work to improve its operation. They engage in long-term planning and analysis of work trends. They identify, seek, and distribute needed resources. They put in place new procedures, rules, and legislation. They provide support to various boards, committees, and work groups.

The office consists of four divisions:

Finance and Administration

This division handles the Judiciary’s fiscal, personnel, and security needs. Staff members manage the budget. They track and pay expenses. They identify financial trends and needs. They recruit and pay employees. They administer the Judiciary’s personnel policy. They identify spacing needs and help design courthouses. They oversee the court security program.

Planning and Court Services

This division manages the Judiciary’s planning and program needs. Personnel manage grants. They pilot and evaluate new initiatives, such as treatment dockets. They administer ongoing services relating to guardians ad litem, mediation, and court interpreters. They provide education and training to judges and court employees. They assist with strategic planning, communications, and media inquiries.

Research and Information Services

This division oversees the Judiciary’s technology needs. The staff handles the Judiciary’s case management system and data warehouses. They develop new and revised forms. They provide statistics and assist with data requests. They help users of the technology system within the Judiciary. They help support the Judiciary’s internal and external websites.

Trial Court Operations

This division supervises the operation of the Vermont Superior Court and the Judicial Bureau. Personnel analyze legislation related to the Judiciary. They investigate complaints relating to court procedure and personnel. They help trial courts meet the goals and standards for the operation of the Judiciary. They provide information to help track the accomplishment of court objectives. They work to address issues affecting the court system.

The Chief Superior Judge

The responsibilities of the chief superior judge include:

  • Making annual assignments of judicial officers
  • Investigating complaints relating to the trial courts
  • Ensuring that judicial officers complete decisions within a reasonable time
  • Sitting on the bench as needed to assist the various units of the Superior Court
  • Resolving the scheduling conflicts of lawyers in the trial court
  • Recommending new rules and statutes to the Supreme Court

The chief superior judge also provides testimony before the Legislature on issues relating to the trial courts.

Contact Information
Office of the Court Administrator 802-828-3278
Division of Finance and Administration 802-828-3278
Division of Planning and Court Services 802-828-3278
Division of Research and Information Services 802-828-4357
Division of Trial Court Operations 802-828-3278
Office of the Chief Superior Judge 802-828-3278