WASHINGTON D.C. – At today’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown introduced Judge Kathleen O’Malley, who currently serves on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, at her confirmation hearing to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

“For the last 15 years, Judge Kate O’Malley has served the Northern District of Ohio with distinction. In case there is any doubt as to her experience, she has handled approximately 4,000 civil cases, 800 criminal cases, and three major multi-district litigation cases, including one with 20,000 claimants and another with 12,000 separate cases,” said Brown. “Kate O’Malley will make an outstanding judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Her distinguished career pursuing justice based on the merits and devoid of ideology or hidden agenda will bring an important new voice to the court.”

Brown’s full statement before the Judiciary Committee is below.

“It is my pleasure to introduce Judge Kathleen McDonald O’Malley, a brilliant, dedicated, and trailblazing jurist.

She was raised in Cleveland’s Richmond Heights, supported and nurtured by her many family and friends joining her here today.

Judge O’Malley has said that her parents, Thomas and Mildred “Billy” McDonald, in particular have been the greatest influence in her life. Let me first extend my greetings to Kate’s mother, Billy McDonald, who is proudly watching the hearing via webcast. As a father of three daughters, I know that our children’s successes are sweeter than our own. Congratulations Mrs. McDonald.

I would also like to recognize Kate’s other family members who are here: her husband George Pappas, daughter Nora, and son Jack – who celebrated his 21st birthday on Monday.  Happy Birthday, Jack. Kate’s brothers, Kevin McDonald and Bryan McDonald, are also here, along with numerous cousins, nieces, and friends.

Many of Judge O’Malley’s current and former clerks have also traveled from around the nation to be here today – a testament to the mentorship she provides for so many.

Today is a little bittersweet.  Should this committee and the Senate concur, the people of Ohio will lose one of our finest judges. But it is also a proud day to speak about the accomplishments of a great Ohioan – and to share her story with the nation.

As a child Kate was blessed with wisdom beyond her years and was very clear about what she wanted to do with her life – and it wasn’t just to be a life-long Indians or Browns fan.  At the age of 12 she was asked what she wanted to be when she grew up. She replied that she wanted to become a federal judge.

And as she excelled in school – high school, college, and law school – in her words, “it never occurred to me that I couldn’t.”  She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Kenyon College in 1979 and first in her class at Case Western Reserve Law School in 1982.

After law school Kate clerked for the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals for the distinguished Judge Nathaniel R. Jones, who is one of her major influences and who considers Kate to be like family. I’ve known Judge Jones for many years – he is one of Ohio’s and our nation’s great public servants.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer wrote in 1994 that her clerkship with Judge Jones taught her that as a judge, “You have to be true to the law.  You have to be intellectually honest.” After her clerkship with Judge Jones, Kate spent several years in private practice, where she gained invaluable experience representing numerous large corporations in addition to medium-sized and small businesses. 

She became an expert in complex corporate litigation, patent and intellectual property cases—experience that will serve her well as a Circuit Judge in the Federal Circuit. She translated her private sector experience into a distinguished career in public service as chief counsel and chief-of-staff for then-Ohio Attorney General Lee Fisher. 

Kate used her brilliant mind and incredible work ethic to litigate major state and federal constitutional cases at both the trial and appellate levels. The responsibility and poise, intellect and temperament required in the AG’s office have served her well throughout her career. Recognizing her brilliance and superior work ethic, Ohio Senators Howard Metzenbaum and John Glenn recommended Kate’s name to President Clinton for a place on the federal bench.

On September 20, 1994, President Clinton nominated her to serve on the federal bench as a U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Ohio. When Kate began her service in the Northern District of Ohio, she was among the youngest judges serving on the federal bench.

And for the last 15 years, Judge Kate O’Malley has served the Northern District of Ohio with distinction. In case there is any doubt as to her experience, she has handled approximately 4,000 civil cases, 800 criminal cases, and three major multi-district litigation cases, including one with 20,000 claimants and another with 12,000 separate cases.

In addition to having a great legal mind, she is an innovator. She has spearheaded national efforts to integrate cutting-edge technologies into courtrooms – ensuring that the administration of justice is equal, fair, and open for all who seek it.

As an educator, Judge O’Malley has generously given back to her alma mater – Case Western – to teach the next generation of patent lawyers and advocates. And as a strong believer in pro-bono service, she encourages students and clerks, lawyers and educators alike about the need to provide legal services to those who clearly need them.

Mr. Chairman, Kate O’Malley will make an outstanding judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Her distinguished career pursuing justice based on the merits and devoid of ideology or hidden agenda will bring an important new voice to the court.

When asked what is one thing that most people wouldn’t know about her, Kate replied: “Most people don’t know that I’m a federal judge.” Outside the courtroom she is discreet about her responsibilities and humble about her achievements.

And to most people, she is a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend.  A lacrosse and soccer coach, and an exercise fiend. It is my honor to introduce Judge O’Malley, and I urge that the committee act as quickly as possible to confirm her as the next U.S. Circuit Court Judge for the Federal Circuit.”

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