Nancy Torrensen Sworn in as Federal Judge in Maine

Nancy Torresen was sworn in last week as a U.S. District Court judge in Maine. She is the first woman to hold the position of federal district judge in Maine. The investiture ceremony took place on May 3 at the Edward T. Gignoux U.S. Courthouse.

She was sworn in by Chief District Judge John Woodcock, who administered the oath. Her mother and her husband, former U.S. Attorney Jay McCloskey, helped Torresen with the ceremonial donning of her robe.

Several prominent local female jurisrts were in attendance at Torresen's swearing in ceremony, including Sandra Lynch, the first woman to be chief judge of the First Circuit Court of Appeals.

Other women in attendance included Caroline Glassman, the first woman to serve on the Maine Supreme Judicial Court, former U.S. Attorney Paula Silsby, Magistrate Judge Margaret Kravchuk and Linda Jacobson, the first female clerk of court.

In her acceptance speech, Torresen honored the contribution of females to the profession.

"I salute you, all of you women who have gone before me."

She thanked her mother, Frances Torresen, and her mother-in-law, Eleanor McCloskey, for their help at home while she worked towards growing her career.

Several other political and judicial figures were present at the investiture ceremony, including Senator George Mitchell and Circuit Judge Kermit Lipez.

Torresen was confirmed unanimously by the Senate in October. Prior to the appointment, she had been a former assistant U.S. attorney. In her capacity as assistant U.S. attorney, Torresen worked on civil and criminal cases.

Torresen will be filling the vacancy left by Judge D. Brock Hornby.

Related Resources:

• Judges of the First Circuit (US Courts)
• Browse First Circuit Cases (FindLaw Cases)
• First Circuit Court of Appeals (US Courts)