Carl W. Tobias
Williams Professor of Law
Courses Taught Torts Products Liability Constitutional Law
Profile

Professor Carl Tobias holds the Law School’s prestigious Williams Chair and writes in a number of areas, with a particular emphasis on federal judicial selection. A prolific scholar, Professor Tobias is the author of over 120 law review articles and the author or co-author of more than 80 essays, commentaries, and other shorter works in law reviews. He has published in the country’s top law journals, including the Stanford, Columbia, California, and Cornell Law Reviews, among others. Professor Tobias is also a frequent commentator in the media and has written several hundred opinion pieces published in the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Christian Science Monitor, Slate and Politico, among other high-profile media outlets. He has served as a Legal Consultant to the Food and Drug Administration and the American Bar Association’s Commission on the Twenty-First Century Judiciary as well as a member of the District Court Local Rules Review Committee of the Ninth Circuit Chief District Judges Conference, the Civil Justice Reform Act Advisory Group for the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana, and the Study Committee to Review the Nevada Rules of Civil Procedure. Professor Tobias has been a member of the prestigious American Law Institute since 1994.


Memberships
Member, American Law Institute (1994-present)
Member, Civil Justice Reform Act Advisory Group, United States District Court for the District of Montana (1994-present)
Reporter, National Conference on Appellate Justice (2005)
Legal Consultant, ABA Commission on the Twenty-First Century Judiciary (2002-2003)
Member, Study Committee to Review the Nevada Rules of Civil Procedure (1999-2003)
Member, District Court Local Rules Review Committee, Ninth Circuit Judicial Council (1994-1997)
Reporter, Carnegie Commission on Science, Technology and Government, Task Force on Science and Technology in Judicial and Regulatory Decision Making, Data Collection Discussion Group (1992)
Legal Consultant, Administrative Conference of the United States (1990-1995)
Director, Montana Natural Resources Clinic (Environmental Law Clinic under National Wildlife Federation auspices) (1980-1982)
Legal Consultant. Office of General Counsel, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (1976-1982 - Summers)
Counsel, U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on Separation of Powers, 1975
Counsel, Virginia Wetlands Study Commission and Virginia Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee, 1971 to 1972
Professional Experience
Williams Professor of Law (2004-present)
University of Richmond School of Law, Richmond, Va.
Visiting Williams Professor of Law (2003-04)
University of Richmond School of Law, Richmond, Va.
Professor of Law (1998-2004)
William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Professor of Law (1975-98)
University of Montana School of Law
General Civil Litigation and General Environmental Work (1972-75)
Hunton and Williams, Richmond, Va.
Publications
Articles

Senate Gridlock and Federal Judicial Selection, 88 Notre Dame L. Rev. __ (forthcoming 2013).

Filling the Judicial Vacancies in a Presidential Election Year, 46 U. Rich. L. Rev. 985 (2012). [Journal] [L] [W] [HEIN]

Justifying Diversity in the Federal Judiciary, 106 Nw. U. L. Rev. Colloquy 283 (2012). [Journal] [W]

Saluting Judge Philip Pro's Quarter Century of Judicial Service, 12 Nev. L. J. 511 (2012). [L] [W] [HEIN]

Filling the Fourth Circuit Vacancies, 89 N.C. L. Rev. 2161 (2011). [Journal] [L] [W] [HEIN]

Judge Thompson and the Appellate Court Confirmation Process, 91 B.U. L. Rev. 727 (2011). [Journal] [L] [W] [HEIN]

Diversity and the Federal Bench, 87 Wash. U. L. Rev. 1197 (2010). [Journal] [L] [W] [HEIN]

A Fourth Circuit Photograph, 45 Wake Forest L. Rev. 1373 (2010). [L] [W] [HEIN]

Fourth Circuit Judicial Appointments, 61 S.C. L. Rev. 445 (2010). [L] [W] [HEIN]

Postpartisan Federal Judicial Selection, 51 B.C. L. Rev. 769 (2010). [Journal] [L] [W] [HEIN]

Filling Federal Appellate Vacancies, 41 Ariz. St. L.J. 829 (2009). [L] [W] [HEIN]

Resolving Amicus Curiae Motions in the Third Circuit and Beyond, 1 Drexel L. Rev. 125 (2009). [Journal] [W] [HEIN]

The Tragedy of the Commons: The Case of the Blue Crab, 19 S. Cal. Interdis. L.J. 73 (2009). [Journal] [L] [W] [HEIN]

Dear President Bush: Leaving a Legacy on the Federal Bench, 42 U. Rich. L. Rev. 1041 (2008). [Journal] [L] [W] [HEIN]

FDA Regulatory Compliance Reconsidered, 93 Cornell L. Rev. 1003 (2008). [Journal] [L] [W] [HEIN]

Reconsidering Virginia Judicial Selection, 43 U. Rich. L. Rev. 37 (2008). [Journal] [L] [W] [HEIN]

Assessing the Revised Arizona Local Rules of Federal Procedure, 39 Ariz. St. L.J. 521 (2007). [L] [W] [HEIN]

The Process Due Indefinitely Detained Citizens, 85 N.C. L. Rev. 1687 (2007). [L] [W] [HEIN]

Fourth Circuit Publication Practices, 62 Wash. & Lee L. Rev. 1733 (2005). [Journal] [L] [W] [HEIN]

The Federal Appellate Court Appointments Conundrum, 2005 Utah L. Rev. 743. [L] [W] [HEIN]

Reviews

Improving Federal Judicial Selection, 44 U. Rich. L. Rev. 1173 (2010). [Journal] [L] [W]

Unmasking Judicial Extremism, 43 U. Rich. L. Rev. 1175 (2009). [Journal] [L] [W]

Questioning Quirin, 97 J. Crim. L. & Criminology 365 (2006). [L] [W] [HEIN]

In the News

Observers predict quick confirmation for Debra Brown to federal bench (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, San Francisco Chronicle, Clarion-Ledger)
Sat., May. 18, 2013

Mississippi briefs (The Biloxi Sun Herald)
Sat., May. 18, 2013

White House nominates Elizabeth Wolford to federal judgeship (Democrat and Chronicle)
Thu., May. 16, 2013

Senate Panels Approve Perez, McCarthy Nominations (U.S. News & World Report)
Thu., May. 16, 2013

Senate panel supports Dorsey judicial nomination; Heller opposes (Las Vegas Review-Journal)
Thu., May. 16, 2013

Second court invalidates Obama recess appointment (ABC News, Businessweek, NPR, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Kansas City Star)
Thu., May. 16, 2013

Governor's Chef Trial Set for Three Weeks Before Election (WCVE-FM)
Wed., May. 15, 2013

After nearly a year in limbo, Northern District nominee set to join federal bench (Daily Journal)
Mon., May. 13, 2013

Shelly Dick confirmed to U.S. District Court in Baton Rouge (The Advocate)
Fri., May. 10, 2013

Path Cleared for Vote on Orrick Bench Nomination (The Recorder)
Fri., May. 10, 2013

Shelly Dick finally scheduled for Senate vote -- 13 months after judicial nomination (The Times-Picayune)
Thu., May. 9, 2013

Federal judicial nominee unaware law partners contributed to Senate Majority PAC (Las Vegas Review-Journal)
Tue., May. 7, 2013

Cuccinelli's Star: Lawyers to Take Case Pro Bono (Style Weekly)
Tue., May. 7, 2013

Cuccinelli Recused from Executive Mansion Embezzlement Case (WCVE-FM)
Fri., May. 3, 2013

District Judge Cebull to serve last day (Great Falls Tribune)
Thu., May. 2, 2013

US Supreme Court Says Virginia's FOI Act Provisions Can Favor Residents (WCVE-FM)
Tue., Apr. 30, 2013

Obama taps Charlotte mayor to head Transportation (USA Today, Federal Times)
Mon., Apr. 29, 2013

Va.'s first African-American federal judge to semi-retire next year (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Mon., Apr. 29, 2013

Morning Memo: Pray-in targets lawmakers, Foxx to join Obama administration (Raleigh News & Observer)
Mon., Apr. 29, 2013

Nominee's Nevada law firm gives $150K to Harry Reid-backed PAC (Reno Gazette-Journal)
Sun., Apr. 28, 2013

Kyanite mining case going to Virginia Supreme Court (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Sat., Apr. 27, 2013

Judicial nominee's law firm gives $150,000 to PAC linked to Harry Reid (Las Vegas Review-Journal)
Fri., Apr. 26, 2013

U.S. Senate confirms Jane Kelly to 8th Circuit Court of Appeals (The Gazette [IA], KCRG.com)
Wed., Apr. 24, 2013

Max Baucus will continue to be health care law's driving force (Politico)
Wed., Apr. 24, 2013

Montana's political clout diminishes with Baucus retirement (Billings Gazette)
Wed., Apr. 24, 2013

New dean of SLU law school sets course for future (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
Mon., Apr. 22, 2013

Somehow, This Subhead Makes Sense (The Hotline)
Mon., Apr. 22, 2013

Cuccinelli sees no need to investigate his own possible conflict (The Washington Examiner)
Sat., Apr. 20, 2013

Federal public defender in Roanoke to reduce staff hours as result of budget cuts (The Roanoke Times)
Wed., Apr. 17, 2013

'Filibuser wars' must come to an end (Des Moines Register)
Tue., Apr. 16, 2013

Senate approves another federal judge for LA: Beverly Reid O'Connell (KPCC-FM)
Mon., Apr. 15, 2013

Obama's top judicial nominee wins Republicans' praise (USA Today)
Thu., Apr. 11, 2013

Senate confirms Judge Patty Shwartz to federal appeals post (Herald News [NJ], The Record [NJ])
Tue., Apr. 9, 2013

Pfizer Neurontin Class Improperly Denied, Court Says (BusinessWeek)
Thu., Apr. 4, 2013

Judge who sent racist email about Obama to fully retire May 3 (Great Falls Tribune)
Thu., Apr. 4, 2013

Montana judge who slurred Obama quits the bench (The National Law Journal)
Wed., Apr. 3, 2013

Cebull set to retire May 3 as misconduct investigation concludes (Billings Gazette)
Wed., Apr. 3, 2013

Judicial wars must cease (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Tue., Apr. 2, 2013

Obama falls behind on key federal court; faltering nominations set a dubious record (The Washington Times)
Tue., Apr. 2, 2013

Virginia transportation plans expected to survive veto session (The Washington Times)
Tue., Apr. 2, 2013

Virginia's Ban On Gay Marriage May Not Be Affected By US Supreme Court Outcome (WCVE-FM)
Wed., Mar. 27, 2013

Michigan affirmative action ban back in national spotlight (Detroit Free Press, The Pioneer [MI], Politisite)
Tue., Mar. 26, 2013

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell controls GOP fire (The Washington Times)
Tue., Mar. 26, 2013

Same-sex marriage debate goes to high court tomorrow (The Boston Globe)
Mon., Mar. 25, 2013

Lawyers spar in appeals court; Shipyard union's fate comes later (Daily Press, Individual.com)
Sat., Mar. 23, 2013

Appeals Court Upholds Maryland Law on Gun Carry Permits (WCVE-FM)
Fri., Mar. 22, 2013

Senate Judiciary Committee approves nomination of Jane Kelly as next 8th Circuit appeals judge (The Gazette [IA])
Fri., Mar. 22, 2013

Obama withdraws appeals court pick (The Wall Street Journal, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Star Tribune)
Fri., Mar. 22, 2013

Tax suit raises conflict questions for Cuccinelli (POLITICO, Richmond Times-Dispatch, Bristol Herald Courier [VA])
Fri., Mar. 22, 2013

Federal appeals court restores Maryland's concealed carry law (The Washington Times)
Thu., Mar. 21, 2013

T.J. Lane's 'Killer' T-shirt stirs debate over defendants' statements in court (Cleveland Live)
Wed., Mar. 20, 2013

New York cigarette ban: Can it succeed where soda ban failed? (The Christian Science Monitor)
Tue., Mar. 19, 2013

Wyoming U.S. senators support attorney general for U.S. appellate court (Casper Star-Tribune [WY], The Billings Gazette)
Tue., Mar. 19, 2013

Obama nominates Justice official from Buffalo area to top Labor slot (The Buffalo News, NY Daily News)
Mon., Mar. 18, 2013

Obama nominates Justice official to top Labor slot (Las Vegas Sun)
Mon., Mar. 18, 2013

Obama picks Perez to lead U.S. Labor Department (The Baltimore Sun)
Mon., Mar. 18, 2013

New Anti-Tobacco Push (The Wall Street Journal)
Mon., Mar. 18, 2013

Delays over judicial nominees hold us all back (The Boston Globe)
Sun., Mar. 17, 2013

Move quickly to fill Circuit Court openings (The Wichita Eagle)
Sun., Mar. 17, 2013

Judicial vacancies still a problem for Texas federal courts (Star-Telegram)
Thu., Mar. 14, 2013

Holly Herman: Berks judges' bench not so deep (Reading [PA] Eagle)
Thu., Mar. 14, 2013

Swing and a Miss (National Journal)
Wed., Mar. 13, 2013

Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling won't make independent bid for Virginia governor (The Washington Times)
Tue., Mar. 12, 2013

Reid must recommend consensus candidates (Reno Gazette-Journal)
Tue., Mar. 12, 2013

Morris, Watters picked for federal judgeships (Great Falls Tribune)
Tue., Mar. 12, 2013

Lingering vacancies burden justice system; nominations lag, cases grow (The Washington Times)
Mon., Mar. 11, 2013

2 for federal judgeships announced (The Billings Gazette)
Mon., Mar. 11, 2013

Appellate vacancies must be filled by Senate (The Hill)
Mon., Mar. 11, 2013

As Obama, Senate collide, courts caught short (The Boston Globe)
Sun., Mar. 10, 2013

Chappell nomination forwarded to the full Senate for approval (News-Press)
Fri., Mar. 8, 2013

Yearlong federal judge courtship ends for Cadish (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Fri., Mar. 8, 2013

Sloviter, Former Chief Judge of Third Circuit, Is Set to Step Down (The Legal Intelligencer)
Fri., Mar. 8, 2013

Berks judge step closer to federal bench (Reading Eagle)
Fri., Mar. 8, 2013

BP Could Still Settle Civil Case (WWNO-FM)
Thu., Mar. 7, 2013

GOP filibuster blocks key Obama judicial nominee (The Washington Times)
Wed., Mar. 6, 2013

Senate vote will reignite battles over judiciary nominees (How Appealing blog)
Wed., Mar. 6, 2013

3rd UPDATE: ConAgra, Cargill, CHS to Form Flour-Milling Venture (The Wall Street Journal)
Tue., Mar. 5, 2013

Senate should move quickly to fill vacancies on D.C. Circuit (The Hill)
Tue., Mar. 5, 2013

Senate vote will reignite battles over judiciary nominees (The Washington Times)
Tue., Mar. 5, 2013

BP oil spill settlement window may be closing (Marketplace)
Mon., Mar. 4, 2013

Federal judges from Montana, Ohio help state (CT Post, Stamford Advocate)
Sun., Mar. 3, 2013

Non-jury trial may favor BP in Gulf oil spill case (AL.com)
Sat., Mar. 2, 2013

89 vacant judgeships create emergencies (San Francisco Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News)
Sat., Mar. 2, 2013

Vacancies, backlogs plague federal judiciary (Houston Chronicle)
Fri., Mar. 1, 2013

A Republican senator's comment suggests Orrick will become a Northern District judge soon (Daily Journal)
Fri., Mar. 1, 2013

Senate committee OKs Shelly Dick nomination to U.S. District Court (The Advocate)
Fri., Mar. 1, 2013

Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Voting Rights Act Provision (WCVE-FM)
Thu., Feb. 28, 2013

Roanoke Valley Judge Doherty puts pen down (The Roanoke Times)
Thu., Feb. 28, 2013

BP trial a 'bloodbath' that company must stop, say legal experts (AL.com)
Wed., Feb. 27, 2013

Judiciary committee hearing goes smoothly for judge nominee Kelly (The Gazette)
Wed., Feb. 27, 2013

Senate Hearing on Jane Kelly's Court of Appeals Nomination (KCRG.com)
Mon., Feb. 25, 2013

Cape resident takes over as federal judge after long wait (Sentry [ME] Mainely Media)
Fri., Feb. 22, 2013

Toomey, Casey cooperation lauded (Erie Times-News [PA])
Thu., Feb. 21, 2013

Former peanut company execs indicted in 2009 recall (Los Angeles Times, Orlando Sentinel)
Thu., Feb. 21, 2013

Charges Filed in Peanut Salmonella Case (The New York Times)
Thu., Feb. 21, 2013

Senate hearing set for Jane Kelly's court of appeals nomination (The Gazette [IA])
Wed., Feb. 20, 2013

Uranium battle being fought over radio airwaves (Richmond Times-Dispatch, Danville Register & Bee)
Tue., Feb. 19, 2013

10th Circuit Court up to three open seats (The Wichita Eagle Editorial Department Blog)
Mon., Feb. 18, 2013

Collins can take lead on judicial nomination backlog (Bangor Daily News)
Sun., Feb. 17, 2013

State high court rejects appeal of dissolution of family's kyanite company (Richmond Times-Dispatch, Daily Progress [Charlottesville, VA])
Sun., Feb. 17, 2013

Not enough judges, not enough justice (San Francisco Chronicle)
Fri., Feb. 15, 2013

Now Hiring: A Few Good Judges (The American Prospect)
Fri., Feb. 15, 2013

Senate Judiciary approves nomination of Judge Patty Shwartz to high-ranking federal appeals court (The Star-Ledger)
Fri., Feb. 15, 2013

Vote on judge likely in two weeks (The Advocate)
Fri., Feb. 15, 2013

Senate committee approves another federal judge for Los Angeles (KPCC-FM)
Thu., Feb. 14, 2013

Senate committee approves nominee Raymond Moore for U.S. District Court opening in Denver (The Denver Post)
Thu., Feb. 14, 2013

Filling the Tenth Circuit vacancies (The Hill)
Thu., Feb. 14, 2013

Judiciary Commiteee delays vote on Shelly Dick, but her nomination still on track (The Times-Picayune)
Thu., Feb. 14, 2013

Is the 4th Circuit veering back to the center? (NC Policy Watch)
Wed., Feb. 13, 2013

Maine lawyer William Kayatta Jr. confirmed as federal judge (Bangor Daily News)
Wed., Feb. 13, 2013

Judge nominee to get vote (The Advocate)
Wed., Feb. 13, 2013

Tech Case Before Virginia Supreme Court Panel Today (WCVE-FM)
Tue., Feb. 12, 2013

Senator Landrieu Names U.S. Attorney Nominee (WWNO-FM)
Mon., Feb. 11, 2013

U.S. Attorney candidate Ken Polite brings youth, experience, backers say (The Times-Picayune)
Fri., Feb. 8, 2013

Federal Circuit Judicial Watch (PatentlyO)
Thu., Feb. 7, 2013

6 on short list for possible nomination for 2 federal judgeships in Montana (Billings Gazette, Helena Independent Record, The Montana Standard, and The Missoulian)
Tue., Feb. 5, 2013

Senators must put aside partisanship and confirm Jane Kelly (Des Moines Register, Des Moines Register Juice, and Altoona Herald-Index)
Sat., Feb. 2, 2013

Jones pick as ATF chief is in deeper trouble (Minneapolis Star Tribune)
Sat., Feb. 2, 2013

Court vacancies (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Sat., Feb. 2, 2013

Obama nominates Wyoming attorney general for federal appeals court (Casper Star Tribune)
Fri., Feb. 1, 2013

Filling the Northern District of Georgia vacancies (The Hill)
Fri., Feb. 1, 2013

Law prof calls for action on judicial vacancies (ATLaw)
Fri., Feb. 1, 2013

Pfizer disputes suit claiming Zoloft doesn't work (San Francisco Chronicle)
Fri., Feb. 1, 2013

Colleagues say Jane Kelly will be ideal appeals court judge (The Gazette [IA])
Fri., Feb. 1, 2013

Freeeeeedoooooooommmmm!!! (National Journal Hotline)
Fri., Feb. 1, 2013

Bolling, again bucking party, says states should expand Medicaid (Daily Press)
Fri., Feb. 1, 2013

Republican Bolling makes case for expanding Medicaid in Va. (The Washington Post)
Thu., Jan. 31, 2013

Mainer's nomination to be federal judge delayed again (The Morning Sentinel, Kennebec Journal, and Portland Press Herald)
Thu., Jan. 31, 2013

Georgia's Eleventh Circuit judicial openings need filling (McClatchy Newspapers, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, The Kansas City Star, and The Sacramento Bee)
Tue., Jan. 29, 2013

Why is it legal to carry a rifle while shopping? (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Tue., Jan. 29, 2013

For Kaine, a new office but a familiar role as conciliator (The Roanoke Times)
Sun., Jan. 27, 2013

D.C. appeals court ruling could affect shipyard union dispute (Daily Press and Individual.com)
Sat., Jan. 26, 2013

Let's get judicial seat filled (StarNews [Wilmington, NC])
Sat., Jan. 26, 2013

Appeals court strikes down Obama's recess appointments (The Plain Dealer)
Fri., Jan. 25, 2013

U.S. judicial appointments too slow in coming (Austin [TX] American-Statesman)
Fri., Jan. 25, 2013

Obama appointments 'unconstitutional' (Salon.com, The Sacramento Bee, and Advance-News [Ogdensburg, NY])
Fri., Jan. 25, 2013

Appeals court panel rules Obama recess appointments to labor board are unconstitutional (The Washington Post)
Fri., Jan. 25, 2013

Obama short of judges for his liberal agenda (The Washington Times)
Thu., Jan. 24, 2013

Rallies in Harrisburg feature both sides of gun debate (The Philadelphia Inquirer)
Wed., Jan. 23, 2013

Congress and Obama need to fill California judicial vacancies (San Jose Mercury News)
Wed., Jan. 23, 2013

Glaxo Accord Said to Spur Lawyer Fight Over Fees (Bloomberg)
Sat., Jan. 19, 2013

Too much advice and too little consent (The Record)
Fri., Jan. 18, 2013

Fill the benches (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Fri., Jan. 18, 2013

Filling the Third Circuit judicial opening (McClatchy Newspapers, The State, Star-Telegram, The Kansas City Star, and The Sacramento Bee)
Fri., Jan. 18, 2013

Lawyers fight over split of $143M in fees for GSK Avandia settlement (WRAL Tech Wire)
Fri., Jan. 18, 2013

Toyota sanctions waiver might explain purported settlement (The National Law Journal)
Thu., Jan. 17, 2013

Gregoire named as possible replacement for outgoing Interior chief (Tri-City Herald)
Thu., Jan. 17, 2013

President: Shootings violate U.S. freedoms (The Washington Times)
Wed., Jan. 16, 2013

Toyota settles bellwether wrongful death case (The National Law Journal)
Wed., Jan. 16, 2013

Salazar leaves legacy of drilling expansion, moratorium (McClatchy Washington Bureau, The Sacramento Bee, NewsObserver.com, and Anchorage Daily News)
Wed., Jan. 16, 2013

Attorneys Fight to Stop Execution of Man Who Says He Wants to Die (WCVE-FM)
Wed., Jan. 16, 2013

Gleason set for execution by electric chair tonight (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Wed., Jan. 16, 2013

House of Delegates Set to Vote on Gay Judge (WCVE-FM)
Tue., Jan. 15, 2013

Race, poltics keep judge's seat empty for 7 years (Star News Online)
Sat., Jan. 12, 2013

Filling court vacancies, slowly (Los Angeles Times)
Wed., Jan. 9, 2013

Filled federal judgeships (Star-Telegram)
Tue., Jan. 8, 2013

Circuit court confirmations an imperative (The National Law Journal)
Tue., Jan. 8, 2013

Obama set to alter Utah's judicial landscape (The Salt Lake Tribune)
Mon., Jan. 7, 2013

Senate needs urgency filling judicial vacancies (The Times Leader [Wilkes-Barre, PA])
Sat., Jan. 5, 2013

$1.4 Billion Transocean Settlement May Set New Legal Standard (WWNO-FM)
Fri., Jan. 4, 2013

Obama re-nominates two to fill district court vacancies (Florida Today)
Fri., Jan. 4, 2013

Sen. Tim Kaine as conciliator (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Fri., Jan. 4, 2013

Judicial vacancies are undermining justice (Reno Gazette-Journal)
Fri., Jan. 4, 2013

Let Senate vote on Obama's nominee for Nevada court (Reno Gazette-Journal)
Fri., Jan. 4, 2013

Obama renominates Pryor to federal bench (The Atlanta Journal And Constitution)
Thu., Jan. 3, 2013

Internet Defamation Case Raises First Amendment Concerns (WCVE-FM)
Thu., Jan. 3, 2013

President renominates three Nevadans for federal judgeships (The Las Vegas Review-Journal)
Thu., Jan. 3, 2013

District courts: Jurist put up again for seat (News-Press)
Thu., Jan. 3, 2013

Obama re-nominates Nassau judge Brian Davis for seat on the federal bench (The Florida Times-Union)
Thu., Jan. 3, 2013

President Obama renominates Shelly Dick for federal court in Baton Rouge (The Times-Picayune)
Thu., Jan. 3, 2013

Filling the Northern District of California vacancies (The Hill)
Wed., Jan. 2, 2013

Senate should not wait any longer to confirm nominees for the US Middle District of Florida (News-Press)
Wed., Jan. 2, 2013

Senators should be helpful in filling Kansas seat on 10th Circuit (The Wichita Eagle)
Wed., Jan. 2, 2013

End confirmation wars for good of the nation (Democrat and Chronicle)
Mon., Dec. 31, 2012

Another Voice: Senate Republicans must act to approve judicial nominees (The Buffalo [NY] News)
Mon., Dec. 31, 2012

Obama has four spots to fill on 10th Circuit Court of Appeals (Tulsa World, The Oklahoman, The Topeka Capital-Journal, and The Pueblo Chieftain)
Mon., Dec. 31, 2012

The GOP is to blame for court vacancies (The Washington Post)
Sun., Dec. 30, 2012

William Baer Confirmed as Justice Department Antitrust Chief (The New York Times)
Sun., Dec. 30, 2012

Filling the Texas Federal Court openings (McClatchy Newspapers, Star-Telegram, The Kansas City Star, and Sacramento Bee)
Sat., Dec. 29, 2012

Federal Judge To Rule On Cigarette Warning Displays at Retailers (WCVE-FM)
Thu., Dec. 27, 2012

Build on teamwork (Times-Tribune [PA])
Thu., Dec. 27, 2012

Baucus enlists panel's help in seeking judicial nominees (Great Falls Tribune)
Thu., Dec. 27, 2012

Nassau judge Brian Davis won't get a federal judgeship in 2012 (The Florida Times-Union)
Thu., Dec. 27, 2012

Obama could reshape 5th Circuit during 2nd term (The Denver Post, Houston Chronicle, Sun Herald, and Lubbock Avalanche-Journal)
Wed., Dec. 26, 2012

Toyota's recalls over safety defects will cost it more than $1 billion (Star Tribune)
Wed., Dec. 26, 2012

Toyota to pay customers up to $1.4 billion total to settle unintended-acceleration claims (Detroit Free Press)
Wed., Dec. 26, 2012

Toyota Agrees to Settle Lawsuit Tied to Accelerations (The International Herald Tribune and The New York Times)
Wed., Dec. 26, 2012

Toyota to pay big to settle suits (Los Angeles Times)
Wed., Dec. 26, 2012

Baucus names judicial search committee (The Billings Gazette)
Wed., Dec. 26, 2012

Senate OKs Jon Tigar for federal court (San Francisco Chronicle)
Mon., Dec. 24, 2012

Senate should fill Nevada federal court vacancies swiftly (The Las Vegas Review-Journal)
Sun., Dec. 23, 2012

Senate must confirm judicial nominees (The Denver Post)
Sun., Dec. 23, 2012

Fill the bench (The Salt Lake Tribune)
Sun., Dec. 23, 2012

Past time (Tulsa World)
Sun., Dec. 23, 2012

Federal Judicial Nominees (The New York Times)
Fri., Dec. 21, 2012

Some unfinished work remains on judicial vacancies (The Hill)
Tue., Dec. 18, 2012

Judge Shwartz deserves Senate confirmation vote, finally (The Star-Ledger)
Tue., Dec. 18, 2012

Senate approves another federal judge for LA (KPCC-FM)
Mon., Dec. 17, 2012

Past time to confirm Mainer for First Circuit (Providence Journal)
Mon., Dec. 17, 2012

Fill judicial vacancies (The Philadelphia Daily News)
Fri., Dec. 14, 2012

Time to fill the Western District of New York bench (McClatchy Newspapers, Star-Telegram, The Kansas City Star, and Sacramento Bee)
Thu., Dec. 13, 2012

Susan Rice withdraws from consideration for secretary of state (The Boston Globe)
Thu., Dec. 13, 2012

Court upholds bribery conviction of former Del. Phillip Hamilton (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Thu., Dec. 13, 2012

Senate confirms two to federal bench in New York (Reuters)
Thu., Dec. 13, 2012

La. judge nominee goes before panel (The Advocate)
Thu., Dec. 13, 2012

Lag on Kayatta nomination calls for immediate Senate action (Portland Press Herald)
Wed., Dec. 12, 2012

Riverside gets a second federal judge; Jesus Bernal confirmed by Senate to district court (KPCC-FM)
Tue., Dec. 11, 2012

Senate should act on judicial openings in Central District of California (The Hill)
Tue., Dec. 11, 2012

Boehringer Sued by Hundreds Over Bleeding Tied to Pradaxa (Bloomberg Businessweek and VOXXI)
Tue., Dec. 11, 2012

SENATE: Bernal confirmed to fill Riverside federal judge vacancy (The Press-Enterprise)
Tue., Dec. 11, 2012

Landrieu expected to name three candidates to replace Jim Letten in 4 to 6 weeks (The Times-Picayune)
Tue., Dec. 11, 2012

Obama, Senate must fill judicial vacancies (Miami Herald, Congressional Record)
Mon., Dec. 10, 2012

Senate must vote on nominees (The Advocate)
Sun., Dec. 9, 2012

Judge Frank Geraci Jr. awaits Senate confirmations (Democrat and Chronicle)
Sun., Dec. 9, 2012

More skirmishes over 'confirmation wars' (Des Moines Register)
Sun., Dec. 9, 2012

Dems started 'confirmation wars' (Des Moines Register)
Sun., Dec. 9, 2012

Judge vacancies on horizon: Shortage on federal bench looms as appointees take senior status (Great Falls Tribune)
Sun., Dec. 9, 2012

Filling the First Circuit vacancy (The Boston Globe)
Fri., Dec. 7, 2012

Walker confirmed as U.S. District Judge (Tallahassee.com)
Fri., Dec. 7, 2012

Senate Rules Should Require Votes On Judges (The Hartford Courant)
Fri., Dec. 7, 2012

Time to fill Middle District of Pennsylvania judicial vacancies (McClatchy Newspapers, Star-Telegram and The Kansas City Star)
Thu., Dec. 6, 2012

Holly Herman: Obama's moves on judges timely (Reading Eagle)
Thu., Dec. 6, 2012

Senate Moving on Stalled Judicial Nominees (The BLT: The Blog of the Legal Times)
Thu., Dec. 6, 2012

Terrence Berg appointed a U.S. District Court judge (Detroit Free Press)
Thu., Dec. 6, 2012

Senate should confirm judicial nominees (The Patriot-News)
Wed., Dec. 5, 2012

Senate should advise and consent to pending judicial nominations (The Hill)
Wed., Dec. 5, 2012

Senator Grassley and federal judicial selection (The National Law Journal)
Tue., Dec. 4, 2012

Iowa View: Obama can quell confirmation wars (Des Moines Register)
Tue., Dec. 4, 2012

Senate confirms Towson resident Grimm for U.S. District Court judgeship (The Baltimore Sun)
Mon., Dec. 3, 2012

Get on with confirmations so judiciary can dispense justice (The Times-Tribune [Scranton, PA])
Mon., Dec. 3, 2012

Obama to appoint 2 federal judges in Montana in 2013 (Billings Gazette, Ravalli Republic, Missoulian, and San Francisco Chronicle)
Mon., Dec. 3, 2012

What's the hold-up on confirming judges? (Tulsa World)
Sun., Dec. 2, 2012

Federal Judge Ranks Remain Thin In Connecticut (The Hartford Courant)
Sun., Dec. 2, 2012

Senate should act on Oklahoma federal court vacancies (The Hill)
Fri., Nov. 30, 2012

Courts to hear challenges to Obama appointments (Asian Journal)
Fri., Nov. 30, 2012

Courts begin hearing legal challenges to Obama recess appointments (The Washington Post)
Thu., Nov. 29, 2012

Out of governor's race, Bolling still a wild card (The Washington Times)
Thu., Nov. 29, 2012

Courts to hear challenges to Obama appointments (The Columbia Missourian)
Thu., Nov. 29, 2012

Stalling Obama's Power: 83 Judicial Vacancies Awaiting Senate Action (Politic 365)
Wed., Nov. 28, 2012

Obama names a diverse trio of judges to Phila. federal court (The Philadelphia Inquirer)
Wed., Nov. 28, 2012

Liberty U. Challenge to Health Care Reform Revived by High Court (WCVE-FM)
Tue., Nov. 27, 2012

Another View: Grassley has chance to quell 'confirmation wars' (Des Moines Register)
Tue., Nov. 27, 2012

SCOTUS orders appeals court to hear Liberty University health care lawsuit (Politico)
Mon., Nov. 26, 2012

Vote on judicial nominees past due (The Washington Times)
Mon., Nov. 26, 2012

Supreme Court refuses William Jefferson's appeal; 13-year prison sentence upheld (The Times-Picayune)
Mon., Nov. 26, 2012

Nassau judge continues to wait for Senate confirmation (The Florida Times-Union)
Fri., Nov. 23, 2012

Conservative 4th Circuit appeals court more moderate under Obama (Richmond Times-Dispatch and Winston-Salem Journal)
Thu., Nov. 22, 2012

Thanksgiving and the federal courts (McClatchy Newspapers, The Sacramento Bee, The Kansas City Star, Star-Telegram, and Belleville News-Democrat)
Wed., Nov. 21, 2012

83 judicial vacancies awaiting Senate action (The Hill)
Tue., Nov. 20, 2012

William Jefferson, Corey Miller should learn Monday if Supreme Court will hear appeals (The Times-Picayune)
Tue., Nov. 20, 2012

4th Circuit shedding conservative reputation (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Mon., Nov. 19, 2012

Time to break logjam of judicial appointments (Detroit Free Press)
Sun., Nov. 18, 2012

The judicial vacancy crisis (Politico)
Fri., Nov. 16, 2012

Obama nominates Los Angeles judge for federal bench in post-election push (San Francisco Daily Journal)
Thu., Nov. 15, 2012

President Obama's re-election clears path for two stalled Bay Area federal judges (San Jose Mercury News and Contra Costa Times)
Tue., Nov. 13, 2012

Nominations Battle Could Resume in Lame Duck (CQ Roll Call)
Tue., Nov. 13, 2012

Bay Area judge nominees could get vote (San Francisco Chronicle)
Mon., Nov. 12, 2012

BP, plaintiffs seek approval of $7.8 billion spill accord (Lawyers and Attorneys in the United States blog)
Sun., Nov. 11, 2012

Senate should put aside partisanship, confirm Kayatta (Sun Journal)
Sun., Nov. 11, 2012

First order of business: judicial vacancies (The Baltimore Sun)
Sun., Nov. 11, 2012

Filling Connecticut District Court Seats Urgent (The Hartford Courant)
Fri., Nov. 9, 2012

President and Senate must quickly replace federal judges to vacant posts (San Francisco Examiner)
Fri., Nov. 9, 2012

President Obama and the bench (The Roanoke Times, Hispanic Business Magazine)
Fri., Nov. 9, 2012

BP, Plaintiffs Seek Approval of $7.8 Billion Spill Accord (Bloomberg Businessweek)
Thu., Nov. 8, 2012

Obama deserves credit for judgeships (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Tue., Nov. 6, 2012

Obama's success at filling judicial vacancies in Virginia (The Hill)
Mon., Nov. 5, 2012

Henrico Pandhandling Ordinance Goes to Court in Constitutional Battle (WCVE-FM)
Fri., Nov. 2, 2012

Obstruction in Senate taking its toll on courts (The Hill)
Wed., Oct. 31, 2012

Obama has been superb in filling judge vacancies (Charlotte Observer)
Tue., Oct. 30, 2012

Time to fill judicial vacancies in California's Eastern District (McClatchy Newspapers, The Kansas City Star, and The Sacramento Bee)
Mon., Oct. 29, 2012

Judicial vacancies (Courier-Journal)
Mon., Oct. 29, 2012

William A. White is facing more time in prison (The Roanoke Times)
Sat., Oct. 27, 2012

Side effects of AG'S activism (The Virginian-Pilot, Individual.com, Sun Sentinel, and Michael-In-Norfolk blog)
Fri., Oct. 26, 2012

Wait nearly over for Cape lawyer (The Sentry)
Fri., Oct. 26, 2012

U.S. Attorney Jim Letten well-positioned to keep his job no matter presidential outcome (The Times-Picayune)
Fri., Oct. 26, 2012

Readers weigh in on presidential campaign (Citizen-Times.com)
Fri., Oct. 26, 2012

Va. health commissioner resigns over abortion issue (The Virginian-Pilot)
Thu., Oct. 18, 2012

Conservative Anti-Regulatory Myths Unquestioned In Media Coverage Of The Courts (Media Matters for America Blog)
Tue., Oct. 16, 2012

In setback for Westboro, court upholds protest ban (The Kansas City Star and The Sacramento Bee)
Tue., Oct. 16, 2012

Ex-senator Arlen Specter dies at 82 (USA Today and HispanicBusiness.com)
Mon., Oct. 15, 2012

Problems at home could hamper Patrick's ambitions (The Boston Globe and Boston.com)
Sun., Oct. 14, 2012

Civil rights groups won't appeal S.C. voter ID decision (McClatchy Newspapers and South Carolina State)
Fri., Oct. 12, 2012

Government Continues Legal Battle For Graphic Cigarette Warnings (WCVE-FM)
Wed., Oct. 10, 2012

A shameful roadblock on judicial confirmations (New York Daily News)
Wed., Oct. 10, 2012

Time to fill Florida's Federal District court openings (McClatchy Newspapers, The Kansas City Star, Belleville News-Democrat, and Star-Telegram)
Wed., Oct. 10, 2012

Politicized bench (News-Press)
Mon., Oct. 8, 2012

Bishop's conviction could compound legal problems for Kansas City diocese (The Kansas City Star)
Fri., Oct. 5, 2012

Chief U.S. District Judge Richard Cebull to take senior status (Billings Gazette and the Independent Record)
Thu., Oct. 4, 2012

Judge who forwarded racist email to take senior status (Great Falls Tribune)
Thu., Oct. 4, 2012

'Obamacare' lawsuit tries to set up path to SCOTUS (POLITICO)
Mon., Oct. 1, 2012

The Senate's stranglehold (The National Law Journal)
Mon., Oct. 1, 2012

President Barack Obama has heavily influenced federal courts in Bay Area (Contra Costa Times and San Jose Mercury News)
Mon., Oct. 1, 2012

15 nominees ignored (The Salt Lake Tribune)
Sat., Sep. 29, 2012

Senators need to fill federal bench (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Fri., Sep. 28, 2012

The Presidential Race and the Judiciary (Legal Talk Network)
Wed., Sep. 26, 2012

Fort Myers judge eyes federal bench (News-Press.com and Marco Island Sun Times)
Mon., Sep. 24, 2012

Washburn To Lead Indian Affairs (Albuquerque Journal and the New York Daily News)
Sun., Sep. 23, 2012

Lengthy vacancies on courts undermine justice (The Oklahoman)
Sun., Sep. 23, 2012

Frank Geraci among judicial nominees blocked by U.S. Senate GOP (Democrat and Chronicle)
Sat., Sep. 22, 2012

Nassau judge's federal appointment in limbo after Senate punts vote (The Florida Times-Union)
Sat., Sep. 22, 2012

Bipartisanship and filling the federal bench (The Hill's Congress Blog)
Fri., Sep. 21, 2012

Commentary: GOP must cooperate to fill Texas Federal Court openings (McClatchy Newspapers)
Wed., Sep. 19, 2012

CA federal courts jammed: Little relief in sight unless Senate votes on nominees (KPCC-FM)
Mon., Sep. 17, 2012

Constitution Day and lower federal court vacancies (The Hill's Congress Blog)
Mon., Sep. 17, 2012

Lawyers for collapsed bank seek another venue for trial (The Virginian-Pilot)
Sat., Sep. 15, 2012

As election approaches, confirming judges should be Senate priority (The National Law Journal)
Wed., Sep. 12, 2012

Judicial nominee Frank Geraci awaits Senate vote (Democrat and Chronicle)
Wed., Sep. 12, 2012

Widespread Shortage of Judges Derails Civil Justice System (Feldman Shepherd blog)
Wed., Sep. 12, 2012

C.R. federal prosecutor Rose confirmed as judge (The Gazette)
Mon., Sep. 10, 2012

Judicial vacancies in Texas undercut delivery of justice (The Hill's Congress Blog)
Fri., Sep. 7, 2012

Scalia tells audience at UNLV he's 'proponent of originalism' (Las Vegas Review Journal)
Wed., Sep. 5, 2012


Education
B.A., Duke University 1968
LL.B., University of Virginia 1972
Contact Information
(804) 287-6440
(804) 289-8683 (Fax)
Areas of Expertise
Federal Courts and Judicial Selection
Constitutional Law
Torts
Product Liability