Rebecca White Berch

Chief Justice, Arizona Supreme Court

What is Rebecca White Berch known for?

Born on June 29, 1955, in Phoenix, Arizona, Rebecca White Berch is a distinguished alumna from North High School in Phoenix, Arizona. She is best known for her notable contributions to the judiciary, serving as a highly respected American judge and the Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court.

Berch began her tenure as the Chief Justice on July 1, 2009, after being elected by her colleagues on the court. She succeeded Ruth McGregor and held the position until June 27, 2014, passing the gavel to Scott Bales. Before her stint as the Chief Justice, she served as a justice of the Arizona Supreme Court from April 2002 until September 2015. This appointment was made by then Governor of Arizona, Jane Dee Hull.

Apart from her roles in the Supreme Court, Berch has had an extensive legal career. She started as an associate with the firm McGroder, Tryon, Heller, Rayes & Berch, and later became a partner. She then moved to academia, serving as the director of the legal writing program at the Arizona State University College of Law. After her time in academia, Berch held various positions within the State of Arizona, such as solicitor general, special counsel to the Arizona Attorney General's office, and first assistant Arizona attorney general.

She also served as a judge on the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division I, from April 1998 to March 2002, before becoming a justice of the Arizona Supreme Court. Her career in the judiciary concluded with her retirement from the Supreme Court in September 2015.

Berch has been recognized multiple times for her professional achievements and contributions to law and society. Some of her accolades include the Distinguished Achievement Award and the Outstanding Alumnus of the Year Award from the Arizona State University College of Law, and the Professional Achievement and Contributions Award from the Arizona Women Lawyers' Association.

In addition to her impressive legal career, Berch has been involved in multiple professional associations. She served as the Chair of the Arizona Commission on Appellate Court Appointments, among other positions.

Berch received her education from Arizona State University, earning her Bachelor of Science in 1976, Juris Doctor in 1979, and Master of Arts in 1990. She married Michael Allen Berch in 1981.

You can explore more about Rebecca White Berch from these scholarly sources and JSTOR articles.