The Vermont legal community was shocked and saddened to learn last Thursday (July 2, 2026) that the Hon. H. Dickson Corbett had died. Judge Corbett had served for three years as a superior court judge, having been appointed by Gov. Phil Scott in 2023. Judge Corbett had been a law clerk in Orange and Windsor Counties before becoming a deputy state’s attorney in Orange County. He was appointed to the State’s Attorney position there by Gov. Phil Scott upon the retirement of the former State’s Attorney, Will Porter, and later was elected to the position.
As per his obituary that appeared yesterday (July 7, 2026) in Vermont Digger, his untimely death came at home in Thetford last Thursday morning. It followed a walk in the woods and making breakfast for his family that includes his wife, Megan Campbell, Esq., and two teenaged children.
Gov. Scott issued a statement that day expressing his shock and sorrow: “I always appreciated [Judge Corbett’s] dedication to improving the lives of Vermonters through public service. This is an unfortunate loss for Vermont and the Judiciary, and my heart goes out to Dickson’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.”
Vermont’s Chief Superior Court Judge, Tom Zonay, and Chief Court Administrator, Teri Corsones sent the following message to judges and court staff on the day of Judge Corbett’s passing: “It is with a heavy heart that we wanted to let each of you know that Superior Court Judge Dickson Corbett passed away unexpectedly this morning. This is a profound loss for the judiciary and for the many people whose lives were touched by his dedicated public service. He will be profoundly missed. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, and all who mourn his loss during this difficult time.”
At the time of his death, Judge Corbett was the judge of the Windsor Family division in White River Junction. On May 28th, ss part of the tri-branch celebrations of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, he presided over a mock trial there of Woodstock High School Students. Part of the program included a talk by Judge Corbett about the significance of the Declaration in history and today. You can read his moving, insightful, and beautifully articulated remarks and see pictures of the event on the judiciary’s 250th anniversary webpage.
As the tragic news has worked its way through the state more tributes have poured in. Reporting in the Valley News this morning (July 8, 2026) includes remembrances from many who knew and worked with him of Judge Corbett’s quiet competence, empathy, energy, and skill.
Judge Corbett was a career Vermont attorney, having earned his J.D. from Vermont Law and Graduate School in 2007. His contributions to our legal community, including the VBA where he was a highly valued and active member, and to our state were exceptional, especially for one so young. We join with his family, friends, and colleagues in grieving this terrible loss.
The family is planning a private ceremony for next week and a larger remembrance of life ceremony for later this summer. We will share details when available.
Many have asked how they can assist the family at this difficult time. A family friend, Alison Powers, has started a go-fund-me campaign, with the family’s approval, to assist in education of Judge Corbett’s children. More information about that is available here.
