Greetings, fellow FBA Phoenix Chapter members!
I wanted to take a moment to update you as to what your Federal Bar chapter is doing.
First, we have been very active in pursuing legislative avenues to deal with the crisis in our federal courts, particularly after the tragic death of Chief Judge Roll, and we want to let you know the latest and how to get involved if you choose.
- In March, the Board of the Phoenix Chapter adopted a resolution urging prompt action to fill judicial vacancies and ease the crushing caseload in our federal courts [PDF].
- In April, the Phoenix Chapter (along with the FBA National President and the Tucson Chapter) got a letter to the editor published in the Arizona Republic about the crisis. This created an increase in visibility to the general public. An editorial was also published in the Arizona Range News and Herald/Review as a result of the Republic letter to the editor.
- On April 29, Chapter President Alison Bachus, along with FBA Ninth Circuit Vice President West Allen, met with senior staff of U.S. Senator Jon Kyl on Capitol Hill regarding the issue. Sen. Kyl, through his staff, has pledged to give prompt attention to any nominee so an up-or-down vote can be held as soon as practicable. As of now, however, President Obama has yet to nominate anyone for the three open judgeships in Arizona. FBA representatives also met with other Senate staff, including Senators Reid, Leahy, and Schumer.
- As a direct result of FBA’s efforts, Senator Leahy spoke on the Senate floor about this issue on May 2. He quoted, and entered into the Congressional Record, the editorial that was published in the Arizona Range News and referenced the Resolution passed by the Phoenix Chapter.
- Just recently, Senator Kyl also introduced a bill that would add two more district judgeships in Arizona.
So what does all of this mean? It means that we’re being heard and that Senators are responding. What was made clear to us by Senate staff, though, is that members of Congress (such as Rep. Pastor) and our Senators need to hear from more concerned citizens about this issue. They need to know that more than a few isolated folks are involved; therefore, please contact your elected representatives and tell them that the federal courts are in crisis, litigants cannot get heard timely, and that nominees need a swift up-or-down vote. In addition, feel free to contact the White House to urge the President to nominate candidates for our vacancies.
Please be assured that the FBA is non-partisan. We made clear in all our meetings with all staff that we are asking for all nominees, no matter who they are or what party they belong to, deserve a prompt up-or-down vote. Our courts need urgent help, and the White House and the Senate need to act.
Feel free to come back often and check out the FBA’s website (and the Phoenix Chapter), follow the FBA on Twitter, and "LIKE" the FBA on Facebook. FBA members can also join the Association's LinkedIn group.
Also, newer lawyers: if you haven’t already responded but are interested in becoming more involved in the Chapter, check out the Newer Lawyers Committee flyer. We’ll be gearing up soon.
If you have comments, questions, or want more information on how to become more involved in FBA (including through our Newer Lawyers Committee!), please contact Chapter President Todd Kartchner.
Thanks!
Todd Kartchner
President, Phoenix Chapter
Federal Bar Association