Diane Finkle Appointed as Rhode Island Bankruptcy Judge
This just in -- The First Circuit Court of Appeals has appointed a new Bankruptcy Judge.
We've been bringing you news about several vacancies over the past few months, not just in the First Circuit, but across the Circuits. Here's the first one of these vacancies to be filled: On June 8th, Chief Judge Sandra Lynch announced that the Diane Finkle has been chosen to sit as United States Bankruptcy Judge for the District of Rhode Island.
"In this economy, the bankruptcy court had become even more important to the lives of people. We believe Ms. Finkle will fill the position with distinction," said Chief Judge Lynch, in her announcement.
The position, as you may recall, is for a fourteen year term. The judgeship will be based out of Providence, Rhode Island. Applications were due on April 20, 2012 so it took the Bankruptcy Merit Selection Panel a little under two months to make the call on this vacancy.
Diane Finkle is currently a managing partner at Winograd Shine Land & Finkle, P.C. She has been there for thirty years. Her practice has revolved around business insolvency and debtor and creditor rights.
She received her Juris Doctorate from the George Washington National Law Center, where she graduated with highest honors.
Finkle has some judicial experience, having clerked with the late Honorable Thomas F. Kelleher of the Rhode Island Supreme Court.
Diane Finkle will be taking over from current U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Arthur N. Votolato, who plans to retire.
It's not all said and done yet, though. There's still a background check and an FBI clearance. Nevertheless, the court has chosen its finalist.
In related news, Judge William C. Hillman has assumed the duties of chief judge of the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel. Stay tuned for more about that in an upcoming post.
Related Resources:
- Apply Now: Rhode Island Bankruptcy Judge Vacancy (U.S. First Circuit Blog)
- Browse First Circuit Cases (FindLaw Cases)
- First Circuit Court of Appeals (US Courts)