Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has nominated state Supreme Court Justice Raheem L. Mullins to become the next chief justice, replacing retiring Chief Justice Richard A. Robinson. If confirmed by the General Assembly next year, Mullins will be the second Black chief justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court. Mullins, who has served as an associate justice since 2017, is described by Lamont as a fair, sensible, and empathetic jurist with experience in all three levels of the state court system. At 46 years old, Mullins is known for his legal expertise, having participated in over 150 cases and authored about 70 majority opinions while on the high court. He previously served on the Connecticut Appellate Court and the Connecticut Superior Court.
Governor Lamont expressed optimism regarding bipartisan legislative support for Mullins, citing his qualifications and experience on the Supreme Court. State Senator John Kissel, the top Senate Republican on the Judiciary Committee, also praised Mullins as a “terrific selection for chief justice.” In response to his nomination, Mullins expressed his honor and recognition of the responsibilities that come with the role of chief justice. In addition to serving as a justice on the court, the chief justice oversees the administration of the state’s courts and is the head of the judicial branch of state government in Connecticut. Mullins acknowledged former Justices Lubbie Harper Jr. and Robinson as his legal mentors and highlighted his commitment to enhancing the court system’s accessibility, efficiency, fairness, and responsiveness to diverse communities.
Raheem L. Mullins, born in Middletown, Connecticut, earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology from Clark University and his law degree from Northeastern University School of Law. Before becoming a judge, he worked as an assistant state’s attorney and assistant attorney general in Connecticut. Mullins also clerked on the Massachusetts Appeals Court and was admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court bar and the Connecticut bar. With Robinson set to retire on September 6, 2025, the General Assembly is expected to convene on January 8, 2025. In the interim, a member of the Connecticut Appellate Court will fill in as needed. Governor Lamont plans to nominate a new justice in the coming months.
Mullins emphasized his commitment to ensuring the court system’s responsiveness to the needs of diverse communities, citing his background and experience as factors that will inform his approach to the role of chief justice. He highlighted the importance of accessibility, efficiency, and fairness in the judicial system, signaling his intention to focus on these aspects during his tenure. Mullins jokingly mentioned his interactions with retiring Chief Justice Robinson, acknowledging the age difference between them but expressing appreciation for their conversations. His nomination reflects the state’s effort to promote diversity and inclusion in leadership positions within the judiciary.
In conclusion, the nomination of Raheem L. Mullins as the next chief justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court represents a significant milestone in the state’s legal history. Mullins’ qualifications, experience, and commitment to fairness and justice have garnered bipartisan support, with lawmakers and legal professionals praising his selection. As he prepares to take on the role of chief justice, Mullins aims to enhance the court system’s operations and address the needs of diverse communities across Connecticut. With Governor Lamont’s endorsement and the General Assembly’s confirmation pending, Mullins is poised to become the second Black chief justice in the state’s history, following in the footsteps of Justice Robinson.
