WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today praised the Senate Judiciary Committee’s vote to approve Judge George Levi Russell, III to fill a vacancy on the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. The nomination of Judge Russell, who currently serves as a Circuit Court judge for the City of Baltimore, will now move to the Senate floor for a vote, which has not yet been scheduled.
“Today’s vote brings Judge Russell a step closer to the U.S. District Court of Maryland, a bench that he is outstandingly qualified for,” said Senator Cardin. “Judge Russell is an exceptional jurist who is committed to advancing and upholding the rule of law. He has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the law, and, in his work and in his life, he is truly committed to the ideal of equal protection under the law. I know he will serve the people of Maryland very well in this position.”
“I applaud today’s vote to approve the nomination of Judge Russell to serve on the U.S. District Court of Maryland, and was proud to recommend him for the job,” Senator Mikulski said. “When I consider nominees for the federal bench, I have four criteria: absolute integrity, judicial competence and temperament; a commitment to core constitutional principles, and a history of civic engagement in Maryland. Judge Russell has not only met these standards, he exceeds them. A look at his background shows that he will bring a different and unique experience to the federal bench, along with an unquestionable competence and preparedness and a deep understanding of how ordinary Americans live. And as a ‘home grown’ Marylander, he will bring the right values to the bench, having a firsthand understanding of what people in their communities face.”
Judge Russell will occupy the seat formerly held by Judge Peter Messitte, who took senior status in September 2008.
JUDGE GEORGE LEVI RUSSELL, III
George Levi Russell, III has spent his entire legal career in the State of Maryland. He currently serves as a Judge on the Circuit Court of Baltimore City, presiding over 2,700 cases in a position he has held since 2007. Prior to taking the bench, he spent his career as a litigator, with 10 years of experience as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Maryland. Judge Russell received his juris doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law, and upon graduation, served as a law clerk to the Honorable Robert Bell, Chief Judge of the Maryland Court of Appeals.
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