Press Release

January 26, 2012
CARDIN, MIKULSKI PRAISE OBAMA NOMINEE RUSSELL FOR MARYLAND DISTRICT COURT SEAT
Senators Recommended Judge Russell for Federal Bench to President Obama

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) today praised the nomination of Judge George Levi Russell, III to fill a vacancy on the United States District Court for the District of Maryland at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. At the hearing, Senators Mikulski and Cardin formally introduced Judge Russell who currently serves as a Circuit Court judge for the City of Baltimore.

“I am pleased to join in recommending that the Judiciary Committee support Judge Russell of Maryland to be a U.S. District Judge,” said Senator Cardin. “A second-generation jurist and fellow alumnus of the University of Maryland Law School, Judge Russell brings a wealth of experience to this position in both state and federal courts.  He has strong roots, legal experience, and community involvement in our state of Maryland. I am confident that Judge Russell possesses the qualifications, temperament, and passion for justice that will make him an outstanding United States District Court Judge.  He will serve the people of Maryland very well in this position.”

“I am so proud to recommend Judge Russell to serve on the U.S. District Court of Maryland,” Senator Mikulski said. “When I consider nominees for the federal bench, I have four criteria: absolute integrity, judicial competence and temperament; a commitment to core constitutional principles, and a history of civic engagement in Maryland. Judge Russell has not only met these standards, he exceeds them. A look at his background shows that he will bring a different and unique experience to the federal bench, along with an unquestionable competence and preparedness and a deep understanding of how ordinary Americans live. And as a ‘home grown’ Marylander, he will bring the right values to the bench, having a firsthand understanding of what people in their communities face.”

If confirmed, Judge Russell will occupy the seat formerly held by Judge Peter Messitte, who took senior status in September 2008.

JUDGE GEORGE LEVI RUSSELL, III

George Levi Russell, III has spent his entire legal career in the State of Maryland. He currently serves as a Judge on the Circuit Court of Baltimore City, presiding over 2,700 cases in a position he has held since 2007. Prior to taking the bench, he spent his career as a litigator, with 10 years of experience as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Maryland. Judge Russell received his juris doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law, and upon graduation, served as a law clerk to the Honorable Robert Bell, Chief Judge of the Maryland Court of Appeals. 

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