Arizona Supreme Court Justice Robert Brutinel announces retirement

PHOENIX – Arizona Supreme Court Justice Robert Brutinel announced he is retiring after nearly 14 years in the state court.

In a letter to Gov. Katie Hobbs, Brutinel said his last day will be Oct. 31.

“Working in Arizona’s courts for the past 28 years has been a tremendous privilege,” Brutinel said in his letter. “I cannot adequately express how thankful I am for the opportunity to have served as part of Arizona’s judiciary.”

The judge was appointed to the Arizona Supreme Court in 2010 by former Gov. Jan Brewer. In 2019, the state’s supreme court’s justices elected him as the chief justice. His term had recently ended in 2024.

RMB Retirement Letter by aarondecker1138 on Scribd

“Justice Brutinel’s retirement sparks mixed emotions,” Chief Justice Ann Timmer said in a statement. “He has faithfully served the Judicial Branch of Arizona for almost 30 years. Notably, as Arizona’s 26th Chief Justice, he led the courts through the pandemic, ensuring that the courts operated safely while remaining open to serve Arizonans.”

Prior to his time on the state’s high court, he served as the presiding judge for the Yavapai County Superior Court. Before becoming a judge, Brutinel was a lawyer specializingin business, real estate and Indian law.

“After 42 years as a lawyer and 28 years as a judge, I believe more strongly than ever in the rule of law and that everyone is equal before the law,” Brutinel said. “Arizona’s judicial branch is truly committed to the idea that our courts and the law are a positive force for protecting our rights and improving the lives of fellow citizens.”

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