Arizona Supreme Court justice announces retirement
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Arizona Supreme Court Justice Robert Brutinel is set to retire later this fall, according to a letter he sent to Gov. Katie Hobbs.
Brutinel was appointed in 2010 by then-Gov. Jan Brewer. He served as chief justice in 2019 until Justice Ann A. Scott Timmer replaced him in July. His last day is Oct. 31.
Fellow justices elect one justice to serve as chief justice for a five-year term, according to the court. In addition, state law requires the justices to retire at age 70. Brutinel is 66.
“It has been the greatest honor of my career to serve as Chief Justice, to participate in the administration and improvement of Arizona’s courts and to work with the outstanding judges and staff across our great State, particularly our Presiding Judges,” Brutinel said in the letter. “Our Court Administrators, Clerks, and staff demonstrate daily a commitment to excellence and remarkable dedication to public service. I am proud to have had the opportunity to work with such dedicated professionals.”
Before being appointed to the high court, Brutinel served in the Yavapai County Superior Court, was the past president of the Arizona Judges Association and served as an advisory board member for the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections.
He says that now, more than ever, he believes in the rule of law and that everyone is equal before the law.
“Working in Arizona’s courts for the past 28 years has been a tremendous privilege. Arizona’s judicial system, at all levels, enjoys a reputation both nationally and internationally of excellence and innovation. I cannot adequately express how thankful I am for the opportunity to have served as part of Arizona’s judiciary,” Brutinel wrote.
He concluded in his message to Hobbs, “Finally I wish you all the best in your service as governor and in the important task of appoint the next justice.”
Hobbs is now the tasked with appointing Brutinel’s replacement, who will be the first justice appointed by a Democratic governor since 2005, when then-Gov. Janet Napolitano appointed Scott Bales, who retired in 2019.
The Commission on Appellate Court Appointments, which has 16 members, will work to recommend possible replacements for Hobbs, who has 60 days from the date of vacancy to appoint a justice.
Read Brutinel’s full letter below.
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