Harold E. Eaton, Jr. '77

Harold Eaton - known as "Duke" to his friend - is a native Vermonter and veteran judge who loves his home state and his alma mater.

Sworn in as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of Vermont by Governor Peter Shumlin in 2014, Justice Eaton is known to have a no-nonsense approach and a reputation for punctuality, thoroughness, and thoughtfulness. Earlier in his career, as a family court judge, he could often be seen conferring with his colleagues, Judges Bunny and Bear, as he heard cases involving Vermont youth. The stuffed animals helped the children who appeared in his courtroom feel relaxed and comfortable so that he could glean the information he needed from their testimony.

Justice Eaton is regarded by his peers in the legal profession as an outstanding mentor with a deep understanding of the law and an ability to explain it clearly to colleagues, legal interns, and law clerks. His passion and dedication, his courtesy and fairness to litigants, and his common-sense decisions make him a credit to the judiciary. Harold's outstanding leadership and achievements have been recognized throughout his career.

While in private practice he was invited to join the American Board of Trial Advocates and after becoming a judge was nominated for membership in the American Law Institute. In 2015, he received the Vermont Law School Distinguished Alumni Award.

At UVM, Harold majored in Secondary Education in the College of Education and Social Services. He was involved in the student radio station, WRUV as a disc jockey, and a sports broadcaster, played intramural sports, held leadership roles in the Acacia fraternity, and worked at a local radio station, WJOY/WQCR. Harold was selected to be among the first group of men admitted to the Mortar Board National Honor Society. After graduating from UVM he went on to Vermont Law School where he got his law degree.

Harold resides in Woodstock, Vermont with his wife Jane, his son Matt and his dog Lili in the house his grandfather built in 1931.