There’s going to be some moving and shaking in the Third Circuit, with one judge retiring and two new district court judges recently confirmed. Let’s take a look who will be leaving, and who will be joining, the Third Circuit.

Judge Ruggero J. Aldisert Retiring

A native of Pennsylvania, Judge Ruggero J. Aldisert’s judicial career began in 1961 as a judge in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson nominated Judge Aldisert to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, and from 1984 to 1986 he served as Chief Judge. He then assumed senior status and moved to California. In August, at the age of 94, Judge Aldisert will retire from the bench.

New District Court Judges Confirmed

Last week, the U.S. Senate confirmed two judges for seats on the bench of the District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania: Gerald A. McHugh Jr. and Edward Smith. Pennsylvania Senator Casey (D) stated, “I’m pleased that the Senate voted to confirm these two highly qualified nominees to the federal bench,” and Pennsylvania Senator Toomey (R) joined in congratulating the pair, according to a press release. The votes were closer than anticipated with a 59-41 vote for Judge McHugh and a 69-31 vote for Judge Smith, according to The Legal Intelligencer.

Judge McHugh has a distinguished career in private practice and has been listed as one of the “Best Lawyers in America” in a SuperLawyers survey. He serves on the board of the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network.

Judge Smith has served on the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas since 2002. And as a captain in the U.S. Navy, he has also served, since 1984, in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps.

Related Resources:

  • Andrew ‘weev’ Auernheimer’s Appeal, and Judge Weis Remembered (FindLaw’s U.S. Third Circuit Blog)
  • Trenton Mayor Removed, BridgeGate, Tentative Judge Selection and More (FindLaw’s U.S. Third Circuit Blog)
  • 2014 Third Circuit Judicial Conference Registration Is Open (FindLaw’s U.S. Third Circuit Blog)

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