State Senate approves first Black justice on Maine Supreme Judicial Court

Courtesy / Office of Gov. Janet Mills Judge Rick E. Lawrence will be sworn in by Gov. Janet Mills later this month.

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Rick E. Lawrence was confirmed as associate justice on the Maine Supreme Judicial Court, the first Black judge on the judicial body.

The Senate’s unanimous confirmation vote followed a unanimous vote by the Legislature’s judiciary committee.

Gov. Janet Mills will swear in Judge Lawrence later this month, with details to follow, the governor’s office said Tuesday.

“I am deeply honored by the opportunity to serve on the Maine Supreme Judicial Court, an appointment that comes with formidable responsibility and unparalleled opportunity to serve the people of our great state,” Lawrence said. “I promise to work tirelessly to serve the people of Maine and to administer justice fairly and impartially to the people of Maine, just as they deserve.”

Lawrence has served 22 years on the District Court. Since 2000, he has presided primarily in courts within Androscoggin, Oxford and Franklin counties, and most recently served as deputy chief judge of the District Court. He was first nominated to the District Court by then-Gov. Angus King and then re-nominated by Gov. John Baldacci, Gov. Paul LePage and Mills.

The 66-year-old Lawrence graduated from Harvard Law School and received his undergraduate degree from Yale University. Prior to his appointment to the District Court, he worked as an attorney and vice president and managing counsel at Unum and as an associate at Pierce Atwood, according to the governor’s March 7 press release regarding his nomination.

Lawrence is the fourth of Mills’ nominees to be named to the Supreme Judicial Court.

“I am proud that lawmakers have recognized Judge Lawrence’s extensive legal experience, measured temperament, strong intellect, and proven commitment to upholding the law and administering justice impartially. He will be an exceptional Justice on the Maine Supreme Judicial Court,” said Mills. “I am honored to have made this historic nomination, and I congratulate Judge Lawrence on his confirmation. I believe his service on our highest court will greatly benefit the people of Maine.”