Magistrate Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi Nominated to Serve as U.S. District Judge for Hawaii

Press Release

Federal Magistrate-Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi has been nominated by President Barack Obama to serve as a U.S. District Court judge in Hawaii, U.S. Senators Daniel K. Inouye and Daniel K. Akaka announced today.

Kobayashi, 52, will fill the judicial vacancy created by Chief District Judge Helen Gillmor's ascension to senior status last year.

Kobayashi is President Barack Obama's first judicial appointment in Hawaii. Her nomination is subject to confirmation by the U.S. Senate.

"Magistrate Judge Kobayashi is an individual of unquestioned character and a sound choice for the federal bench," said Senator Inouye. "Her experience as an attorney and Magistrate-judge have shaped her legal perspective and given her an eye for justice. I am confident in her ability to preside over the court with fairness and compassion."

"Magistrate Judge Kobayashi is an outstanding and well-respected jurist known for her fairness and timely rulings," said Senator Akaka. "Her experience as a Magistrate Judge will ensure a smooth transition and I have no doubt that she will meet the challenges of this new position with the same dedication and commitment that she has displayed throughout her career."

Kobayashi has served as a magistrate-judge in Hawaii 1999. Magistrate-judges handle misdemeanor criminal cases and assist district judges in pretrial criminal and civil matters.

Kobayashi was reappointed to a second eight-year term as magistrate judge in 2007.

She began her undergraduate degree at the University of Hawaii and finished at Wellesley College in 1979. She earned her juris doctorate from the Boston College School of Law in 1981.

Kobayashi spent 17 years serving as a Honolulu deputy prosecuting attorney and working in private practice at the law firm of Fujiyama Duffy & Fujiyama.

She also taught as an Adjunct Professor at the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaii Manoa.

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