After virtually a two-year process, attorney Bill Martinez was confirmed on Tuesday (Dec. 21) to the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. The vacancy Martínez will fill is one of two on the District Court for Colorado, both of which are rated as judicial emergencies by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. It has been over three years since Colorado’s federal court had a full roster of judges.
Martínez is a partner at McNamara, Roseman, Martínez and Kazmierski, a Denver based law firm; he specializes in
civil rights and employment law. Born in México City, Martínez
migrated with his parents as a child. He previously served as regional attorney for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Denver.
President Barack Obama called Martínez one "of our nation’s best and brightest".
Udall and Colorado Senator Michael Bennet recommended Martínez for the bench almost two years ago on the advice of a bipartisan advisory committee they convened, which was chaired by prominent legal experts in Colorado. President Obama nominated Martínez in February; he had a hearing in March, and his nomination was approved by the Judiciary Committee in April.
Udall fought hard to break the logjam, and on Tuesday said he is thrilled that the Senate voted to confirm Martínez.
“I believe in strong, well-balanced courts that serve the needs of our citizens. Bill Martínez brings that sense of balance because of his broad legal background, professionalism, and outstanding intellect. I’m proud to have recommended Bill, and I’m certain that he will make an outstanding judge,” Udall said.
“After months of needless delay, Bill Martinez can finally begin serving justice and the people of Colorado on the federal bench,” said Bennet. “I’m confident Bill’s keen intellect and sharp legal mind will prove invaluable to the federal bench and that his inspiring life’s journey will serve as a powerful example to youth all across the country.”
Udall added: “I want to add a note of caution to those who have been holding up judicial nominations in Washington. Not only has the obstruction directly hurt the people of Colorado by exacerbating the backlog in our federal courts, it has sent a troubling message to anyone who seeks to be a public servant.” Udall continued, “Bill’s life and livelihood have been put on hold for almost
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