Judiciary Committee Approves Stephanie Thacker's Nomination
Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals nominee Stephanie Thacker is one step closer to being confirmed for a seat on the bench. The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approved Thacker’s nomination on Thursday.
President Barack Obama nominated Thacker to the Fourth Circuit in early September, so her nomination is proceeding quickly.
Thacker’s home state senator, Jay Rockefeller, firmly supports her nomination.
"In every sense, Ms. Thacker represents the best and brightest West Virginia has to offer. She graduated at the top of her undergraduate and law school classes; spent 12 years as a federal prosecutor fighting the most horrific crimes imaginable; and is now a top lawyer at one of West Virginia's most respected firms. There's no question she's the perfect fit for this vacancy," Rockefeller said in a statement.
If confirmed to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, Thacker will fill late Judge M. Blane Michael's seat on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. Judge Michael passed in March.
Thacker was raised in Hamlin, West Virginia. She graduated from Marshall University (BA, 1987) and West Virginia University School of Law (JD 1990). After law school, Thacker worked at Kirkpatrick & Lockhart (now K&L Gates) in Pittsburgh, followed by a stint in the West Virginia Attorney General's office, before joining the law firm of King, Betts & Allen.
Thacker is currently a partner at Guthrie & Thomas PLLC, located in Charleston, W. Va.; she specializes in complex litigation, environmental and toxic tort litigation, and criminal defense. Thacker is also an adjunct professor at the West Virginia University School of Law.
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Related Resources:
- FindLaw's Fourth Circuit blog (FindLaw)
- Stephen Higginson Confirmed for Fifth Circuit in Unanimous Vote (FindLaw's Fifth Circuit blog)
- Judge Bernice Donald Confirmed, Celebrates with Stripper Ruling (FindLaw's Sixth Circuit blog)