Dubin Introduces Bruce, Ellis & Wood at Senate Committee Hearing on Illinois Judicial Nominations

Press Release

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today chaired a hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee, of which he is a member, on President Obama's nomination of Sara Ellis and Andrea Wood to fill vacancies on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and President Obama's nomination of Colin Bruce to fill a vacancy on the U.S. District Court in the Central District of Illinois that will open up on June 30th. Their nominations are expected to receive votes in the committee within the next few weeks. If approved, their nominations will receive votes by the full Senate.

"Each of these nominees is dedicated to public service and has gained a wealth of experience. I commend President Obama for sending these nominees to the Senate," said Durbin. "In Illinois, we have established a bipartisan process for recommending judicial nominations to the White House, and I look forward to working with Senator Kirk to see these nominations confirmed."

In order to make recommendations for judicial vacancies in the Northern District, Durbin established a screening committee in August 2012 comprised of 13 distinguished Illinoisans drawn from various aspects of the legal profession including former judges, prominent litigators, bar association leaders, and former prosecutors and defenders. The committee was co-chaired by Dick Devine, former Cook County State's Attorney and current partner at the law firm of Meckler Bulger Tilson Marick & Pearson LLP, and Patricia Brown Holmes, former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois and a partner at the law firm of Schiff Hardin.

In order to make recommendations for judicial vacancies in the Central District, Durbin established a screening committee in April 2009 comprised of several distinguished Illinoisans also drawn from various aspects of the legal profession. Springfield attorney James Potter served as chairman of the screening panel.

After holding several meetings, reviewing the applications and conducting interviews, the screening committees recommended the names of several individuals for each vacancy. Durbin reviewed the screening committees' recommendations, conducted interviews of finalists, and last fall, in consultation with members of the Illinois Congressional delegation, submitted the names of seven individuals to the President, who made the final decisions on nominees.

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