The Court today announced that Jeffrey P. Minear will retire from his position as Counselor to the Chief Justice of the United States, effective September 30, 2022. Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., appointed Mr. Minear to that position in 2006, following Mr. Minear’s previous government service in the Office of the Solicitor General of the United States, where he argued 56 cases before the Supreme Court.

The Counselor is charged by statute with performing “such duties as may be assigned to him by the Chief Justice.” In that role, Mr. Minear has served as the Chief Justice’s chief of staff, working closely with Court officers on Court-wide policies and initiatives. He has supported the Chief Justice as head of the federal judiciary, working in partnership with court executives and judges on matters of judicial administration, and as liaison to the executive and legislative branches on issues affecting the Court. Additionally, he has represented the Chief Justice in relations with judicial organizations, foreign courts, and visiting dignitaries. He has also supported the Chief Justice in his non-judicial responsibilities, including as Chancellor of the Smithsonian Institution.

The Chief Justice said: “Jeff Minear has exemplified the finest tradition of Court staff, enabling the Supreme Court, and courts across our country, to serve the public efficiently and effectively. He has brought deep knowledge, outstanding judgment, and a tireless work ethic to court management and improvement. I am grateful for the many years he has served so well as my Counselor and as an officer of Federal judicial administration.

Counselor Minear said: “I have been profoundly honored to support Chief Justice Roberts and his colleagues, on the Supreme Court and throughout our federal judiciary, in their vitally important work. I am departing the office with appreciation for the opportunity, with esteem for each member of the Supreme Court, and with the utmost confidence in the independence and integrity of our courts.”

Mr. Minear plans to remain active in the legal profession and in support of the Court and judiciary. His successor will be announced in due course.