Arizona Supreme Court Justice Announces Retirement

PHOENIX (AZ family) — Arizona Supreme Court Justice Robert Brutinel is set to retire at the end of the fall, according to a letter he sent to Gov. Katie Hobbs.

Brutinel was appointed in 2010 by then-Governor Jan Brewer. He served as chief judge in 2019 until Judge Ann A. Scott Timmer replaced him in July. His last day in office was Oct. 31.

The justices select one judge to serve as the court’s president for a five-year term, as ordered by the court. State law also requires judges to retire at age 70. Brutinel is 66.

FILE – Judge Robert M. Brutinel(Arizona Supreme Court)

“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 outstanding judges and staff throughout our great state, especially our presiding judges,” Brutinel said in the letter. “Our court administrators, clerks, and staff demonstrate daily a commitment to excellence and an extraordinary dedication to public service. I am proud to have had the opportunity to work with such dedicated professionals.”

Before being appointed a superior court judge, Brutinel served on the Yavapai County Superior Court, was a past president of the Arizona Judges Association and a member of the advisory board of 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.

“It has been a privilege to serve in the Arizona courts for the past 28 years. Arizona’s judicial system, at all levels, has a reputation for excellence and innovation both nationally and internationally. I cannot adequately express how grateful I am for the opportunity to serve in the Arizona judiciary,” Brutinel wrote.

In his message to Hobbs, he said: “Finally, I wish you all the best in your service as governor and in the important task of appointing the next judge.”

Hobbs is now tasked with appointing a successor to Brutinel, who will be the first judge appointed by a Democratic governor since 2005, when then-Governor Janet Napolitano appointed Scott Bales, who retired in 2019.

The 16-member Appellate Court Nominating Commission will work to recommend possible successors to Hobbs, who has 60 days from the date of the vacancy to appoint a judge.

Read the full text of Brutinel’s letter below.

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