Phil Scott appoints Joseph McLean as Vermont superior court judge

Gov. Phil Scott has appointed Joseph McLean as a superior court judge in the environmental division.

McLean has worked in private practice for nearly three decades providing legal guidance to Vermont municipalities, according to a Monday press release from the governor’s office. His work focused on “land use regulation, permitting, development review and enforcement” including Act 250 and Section 248 proceedings, the release stated.

The environmental division hears cases statewide regarding environmental law cases, including appeals of Act 250 decisions, Agency of Natural Resources actions and municipal panel decisions.

“Joe has demonstrated a strong understanding of Vermont’s environmental laws through his decades of legal experience,” Scott said in a statement. “His experience, and balanced approach to the law will serve Vermonters well.”

McLean received his law degree from what is now called Vermont Law and Graduate School. He will join Presiding Judge Thomas Walsh in the environmental division and fills the position opened up by the retirement of Superior Judge Thomas Durkin.

“I look forward to undertaking this important public service for the benefit of the people of Vermont and intend to build upon the culture of hard work, civility and respect for all litigants and their counsel that Judges Durkin and Walsh have established,” said the newly appointed judge in a statement.

Correction: An earlier version of this story did not note the retirement of Superior Judge Thomas Durkin.

Read the story on VTDigger here: Phil Scott appoints Joseph McLean as Vermont superior court judge .