Rhode Island Supreme Court Justice Goldberg to Retire After 35 Years

Trailblazing jurist known for tough but fair-minded approach on the bench will step down in March 2026.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Rhode Island Supreme Court Justice Maureen McKenna Goldberg, who has served on the state's highest court for nearly three decades, will retire in March 2026 at the age of 75. Goldberg, a trailblazer for women in the legal profession, has been praised for her integrity, wisdom, and commitment to justice during her 35-year judicial career.

Why it matters

Goldberg's retirement will create a key judicial vacancy that Gov. Daniel J. McKee will need to fill, potentially shaping the future direction of the state's highest court. Her departure also marks the end of an era, as Goldberg has been a respected and influential figure in Rhode Island's legal community for decades.

The details

Justice Goldberg, who grew up in East Providence as one of seven children, taught elementary school before enrolling in law school and becoming a prosecutor. She rose to lead the criminal division of the state Attorney General's office, and later entered private practice before being appointed to the Superior Court bench in 1990. Goldberg presided over several high-profile cases, including the trial of a Providence teacher convicted of sexually assaulting special-needs students.

  • Goldberg will retire from the Rhode Island Supreme Court on March 27, 2026.
  • She has served on the state's highest court for nearly 30 years.

The players

Maureen McKenna Goldberg

A 35-year veteran of the Rhode Island judiciary, including nearly three decades on the state Supreme Court, who is known as a trailblazer for women in the legal profession.

Daniel J. McKee

The current Governor of Rhode Island, who will appoint a successor to fill the Supreme Court vacancy created by Goldberg's retirement.

K. Joseph Shekarchi

The Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, who has indicated he may apply for the Supreme Court seat.

Valarie J. Lawson

The President of the Rhode Island Senate, who issued a joint statement praising Goldberg's legacy.

Peter F. Neronha

The Attorney General of Rhode Island, who expressed gratitude for Goldberg's counsel and service to the state.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“For more than thirty-five years, Justice Goldberg has served Rhode Island with integrity, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to justice. She has had a lasting impact on the Bar, not only for the numerous decisions she authored but also for the extraordinary mentorship she provided to her clerks, many of whom have now become judges themselves.”

— Daniel J. McKee, Governor of Rhode Island (rilawyersweekly.com)

“Justice Goldberg has been a true trailblazer throughout her remarkable judicial career. From being the first female head of the Attorney General's Criminal Division, to serving as an Associate Justice of the Superior Court for many years and then becoming only the third woman to serve on the Rhode Island Supreme Court, Justice Goldberg will go down in history as a true luminary in her field.”

— K. Joseph Shekarchi, Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives (rilawyersweekly.com)

“The Honorable Maureen McKenna Goldberg is renowned in the Rhode Island legal community, and beyond, as a force for good. Her storied career is one reserved for those with the highest acumen and understanding of what it means to serve the people of our state.”

— Peter F. Neronha, Attorney General of Rhode Island (rilawyersweekly.com)

What’s next

Gov. Daniel J. McKee will appoint a successor to fill the Rhode Island Supreme Court vacancy created by Goldberg's retirement.

The takeaway

Goldberg's retirement marks the end of an era for Rhode Island's judiciary, as she has been a respected and influential figure in the state's legal community for over three decades. Her departure will leave a significant void, but also an opportunity for the next generation of legal leaders to shape the future direction of the state's highest court.