Press Releases

Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree today announced that they will forward the names of William Kayatta, Jr. from Cape Elizabeth and Justice Jon Levy from Portland to President Obama for consideration to fill the impending vacancy on the First Circuit Court of Appeals. The President will send one name to the Senate for confirmation to replace Judge Kermit Lipez, who is taking active retired status by the end of this year.

"We were impressed with all the applicants, a reflection of the high quality of Maine's legal community, Michaud and Pingree said. "The two names the panel unanimously recommended are extremely well qualified. Either candidate would be an excellent addition to the Appeals Court."

Kayatta is a partner at Pierce Atwood in Portland. Levy is an associate

justice on the Maine Supreme Court.

"It was an honor for me and the rest of the panel to serve the State of

Maine and to interview a number of superbly qualified candidates," said

Peter DeTroy, chair of the interview panel. "It was a difficult decision.

We are comfortable that either candidate will follow in the extraordinary

tradition of Frank Coffin and Kermit Lipez."

"We are very pleased with the work of the judicial screening panel and are

grateful that Peter DeTroy and the rest of the selection committee put so

much time and thoughtful effort into these recommendations," Michaud and Pingree said.

In addition to DeTroy, a partner at Norman, Hansen and DeTroy, the panel included:

Michael T. Bigos Attorney, Berman & Simmons

Jack Comart Litigation Director, Maine Equal Justice Partners

Toby Dilworth Attorney, Drummond Woodsum

Katherine Greenleaf Chief Operating Officer, University of Southern Maine

Christopher D. Nyhan Attorney, Preti Flaherty Beliveau Pachios

Leanne Robbin Maine Assistant Attorney General, Chief, Financial and Civil Rights

Deirdre Smith, Professor of Law and Director, Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic, University of Maine School of Law