Caitlin Halligan Renominated to D.C. Circut Court of Appeals

Highly qualified judicial nominee deserves fair vote on Senate floor

(Washington, D.C.) Today, Caitlin Halligan was renominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. She was originally nominated in September, 2010 and her nomination expired after a filibuster in December, 2011.

The following statement is from Marcia D. Greenberger, Co-President of the National Women’s Law Center:

“Caitlin Halligan is one of the most respected appellate lawyers in the country, with broad legal experience, including government service, private practice and academia. She has honed her practice in state and federal appellate courts and has argued five cases before the Supreme Court. Her many accomplishments are reflected by the unanimous ‘well qualified’ rating she received from the ABA Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary. The National Women’s Law Center is proud to support her nomination to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

“Caitlin Halligan has earned the respect and support of her peers and has been endorsed by a long list of organizations, including National District Attorneys Association, National Conference of Women's Bar Associations and the U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce. This superb nominee was nominated for the first time in September, 2010 and has yet to receive an up-or-down vote on the Senate floor, even though there are three vacancies on the D.C. Circuit, and her talents and skills are sorely needed on the bench.

“The D.C. Circuit is widely regarded as the second-most important court in the United States, with national jurisdiction and a complex caseload of administrative, labor and other important cases. As a result, its decisions in these and other important areas of the law (such as its decision upholding the constitutionality of the health care law) are often considered particularly significant and attract widespread attention in the legal community.

“It is unconscionable that an individual with Caitlin Halligan's legal talents and experience has been waiting 1½ years for a vote. Confirming her would not only fill one of the three vacancies on the D.C. Circuit, but it also would increase the diversity of this court by adding only the sixth female judge in the court's 119-year history.

“Women, and all Americans, are entitled to a fully-functioning court system. Women shouldn't have to wait for justice because some senators are playing politics. We urge the Senate to support the nomination of Caitlin Halligan.”

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