Harrie B. Chase

Harrie Brigham Chase (August 9, 1889 – November 17, 1969) was an American lawyer and judge. He served briefly on the Supreme Court of Vermont, and then was a United States circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Education and career

Chase was born in Whitingham, Vermont on August 9, 1889. He attended Whitingham public schools, Wilmington High School, and Phillips Exeter Academy. He attended Dartmouth College, receiving an Artium Baccalaureus degree in 1909, and the Boston University School of Law, receiving a Bachelor of Laws in 1912. and served until 1929.

Federal judicial service

Chase was nominated by President Calvin Coolidge (a native Vermonter) on January 19, 1929, to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, to a new seat authorized by 45 Stat. 1081. Chase's nomination disappointed Learned Hand and other advocates for the promotion of Thomas D. Thacher from the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York; Thacher went on to serve as Solicitor General of the United States. His service terminated on November 17, 1969, due to his death.

Notable law clerk

Among Chase's law clerks was James L. Oakes, who later himself became a Second Circuit judge.

Death Chase died in Vernon, Vermont on November 17, 1969, aged 80.

Family

Chase, a Republican, was a Universalist in religion. He married Mina A. Gilman of Brattleboro in 1912, and they had three children.