Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott announced today that he has appointed Westfield resident Farzana Leyva as the Orleans County State’s Attorney.
Farzana has served as acting state’s attorney since Governor Scott appointed former state attorney Jennifer Barrett to the Supreme Court. Judge Barrett was the only candidate on the ballot for state’s attorney and could not take the role, leaving the vacancy.
“Farzana is well-respected in the community and has proven herself to be a hard worker,” Governor Scott said. “I am confident that she will continue to serve the people of Orleans County as State’s Attorney.”
Leyva has worked in the Orleans County State’s Attorney’s Office since 2018, first as a law clerk and then as a Deputy State’s Attorney. She previously served as a Vermont judge in 2015. During her time with the state attorney general’s office, Leyva prosecuted numerous cases, including domestic violence, sexual assault, DUIs, aggravated assault, robbery, juvenile cases and Vermont Supreme Court appeals.
“I am committed to working hand-in-hand with Orleans County law enforcement to protect you and your families and hold criminals accountable,” Leyva said. “I promise to be open, friendly, and accessible to you—when you have concerns, I want to hear them. We can serve you better by listening to your voice. You can count on my team of prosecutors for the fair and consistent administration of justice. I am honored to serve our incredible community.
Leyva graduated from Howard College Law School in South Africa in 2005. She was admitted to the South African Bar in 2007. She passed the New York Bar Exam in 2018 and was admitted to the Vermont Bar in 2019. Leyva is a resident of Westfield and has lived in Orleans County since 2014.
1.30.2023. Ruler. Montpelier www.vermont.gov
