Pittsburgh lawyer confirmed as federal judge

WASHINGTON — Cases could begin moving more quickly through U. S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania with the addition of William Stickman IV, who was confirmed as judge Wednesday on a 56- 34 Senate vote.

Another Western District nominee, Stephanie L. Haines, is expected to be confirmed after the Senate returns from its August recess. Nominee Robert J. Colville, an Allegheny County Common Pleas Court judge, has cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee, putting him in position for confirmation, too, although no vote has been scheduled.

The trio of confirmations would bring the Western District bench to eight full- time judges, six of whom were nominees of President Donald Trump, who also can pick two more to fill vacant slots. Two of his Western District picks — Susan Paradise Baxter and Marilyn Horan — were originally nominated by President Barack Obama and then renominated by Mr. Trump.

Mr. Stickman, 40, a Pittsburgh lawyer, cleared the Senate with the support of both Pennsylvania senators, Democrat Bob Casey and Republican Pat Toomey.

The Senate also confirmed John Milton Younge, 64, to the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He currently serves on Common Pleas Court in Philadelphia.

The two “have the experience, intelligence, and integrity necessary to excel on the federal bench. I am confident they will be impartial judges that serve the American people well in their new roles,” Mr. Toomey said in a written statement after Wednesday’s votes.

Mr. Casey said both have the character and independence to serve fairly and impartially.

Mr. Stickman did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

He is a partner with the Pittsburgh firm Del Sole Cavanaugh Stroyd, where his practice focuses on commercial and appellate matters. He has served as trial counsel in jury trials, bench trials and evidentiary hearings. His clients have included individuals, small businesses and Fortune 500 companies.

He is a former law clerk to the late state Supreme Court Justice Ralph Cappy and served for six years on the Pennsylvania Civil Procedures Rules Committee, which oversees Pennsylvania laws of civil procedure.

He holds a law degree from Duquesne University, where he also received his undergraduate degree.