Submitted name to Obama for consideration in 2011

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree praised the Senate confirmation of William Kayatta, Jr. of Cape Elizabeth to be United States Circuit Judge for the First Circuit. In 2011, Michaud and Pingree forwarded William Kayatta’s name to President Obama for consideration to replace Judge Kermit Lipez, who is taking active retired status.

“While this vote took too long to happen, we’re pleased the Senate has approved the nomination of Bill Kayatta for the First Circuit Court of Appeals,” said Michaud and Pingree. “He is highly qualified and will serve our country with integrity.”

In May of 2011, Michaud and Pingree convened a judicial screening panel to interview candidates for the position and provide recommendations.

William J. Kayatta, Jr. has been a partner at the law firm of Pierce Atwood LLP, located in Portland, Maine, for over 25 years. Kayatta was raised in South Portland, Maine. He received his B.A. magna cum laude in 1976 from Amherst College and his J.D. magna cum laude in 1979 from Harvard Law School, where he served as an editor and officer of the Harvard Law Review.