Executive Session

Floor Speech

EXECUTIVE SESSION -- (Senate - April 10, 2008)

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Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, it is my pleasure to support the nomination of Judge Catharina Haynes to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. She is a very well-qualified and capable nominee to serve on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals which hears appeals from the Federal District Courts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

Judge Haynes has extraordinary academic credentials. She graduated first in her class with a degree in psychology from the Florida Institute of Technology at age 19, and she then finished second in her class at Emory University School of Law at age 22. While in law school, she also served on the Emory Law Journal.

Since graduating from law school, Judge Haynes has compiled a distinguished record in private practice and as a State court judge.

In 1998, Judge Haynes was elected to be a district court judge in Dallas, TX. Four years later, she was reelected to that same position. While she was running for reelection, the Dallas Morning News endorsed her and said of her: ``(She) has energy, intelligence and a strong commitment to the law.'' They further added, ``She runs a fair, efficient court.''

While working as a trial court judge, Judge Haynes presided over 190 jury trials and approximately 100 bench trials. She was able to dispose of over 7,000 cases related to a full range of civil topics including complex commercial disputes, commercial litigation, insurance issues, personal injury, intellectual property matters, and employment disputes.

Having recently concluded her time as a Dallas District Court Judge, Judge Haynes returned to private practice at the well-regarded national law firm of Baker Botts, LLP, where she is a partner working in the litigation department.

While in private practice Judge Haynes has handled a wide range of complicated cases in before both State and Federal court. She has also argued cases before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, the court to which she is nominated.

Judge Haynes has been heavily involved with the local bar associations and has volunteered extensively in the community.

Judge Haynes has received numerous awards and professional honors, including the 2006 State Bar of Texas Presidential Commendation, 2006 Florida Tech Alumni Association Outstanding Achievement Award, 2004 Dallas Women Lawyers Association Louise B. Raggio Award, 2003 Dallas Women Lawyers Association Outstanding Board Member Award, and 1996 and 2002 Dallas Bar Association Jo Anna Moreland Outstanding Committee Chair Award.

Her commitment to public service will serve her well on the Fifth Circuit and will reflect credit on the Federal judiciary.

Mr. President, I am pleased the nomination of Catharina Haynes to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit is being confirmed today by the Senate.

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