An attorney in Portland has been nominated to join the federal appeals court in Boston.
President Donald Trump announced on social media Wednesday that he is nominating Joshua Dunlap to the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Dunlap lives in Scarborough and grew up in Vassalboro, according to a statement from Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine. She said Dunlap was a “top candidate” in a committee she established in February to vet nominees to Senate-confirmed positions.
Dunlap is a partner at Pierce Atwood in Portland, where he has taken on commercial cases in state and federal court and chairs the firm’s team for appeals, according to the firm’s website.
He has represented clients in a number of high-profile lawsuits in Maine, including recent cases challenging campaign finance laws and the state’s “right to repair law,” both of which were approved by citizens’ referendums.
“His wealth of appellate experience, along with his intelligence and temperament, make him an excellent choice to serve on the federal bench,” Collins said. “He will serve Maine well in this critical role. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to swiftly confirm Mr. Dunlap.”
Dunlap could not be reached for comment Thursday.
David Barry, managing partner at Pierce Atwood, said in a statement that Dunlap is “an exceptional lawyer and has been a terrific partner and colleague.”
“It is wonderful that his talents and abilities have been recognized by this nomination,” Barry said. “We congratulate Josh on this extraordinary honor and achievement.”
Dunlap will have to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee, which will vote on his nomination before it goes to the full chamber.
Dunlap graduated from the University of Notre Dame Law School and was first in his class, according to the firm’s website. He also clerked for Judge Paul J. Kelly Jr. on the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Dunlap has been tapped to fill a spot on the 1st Circuit that’s been available since last year.
Then-President Joe Biden had nominated Maine Judge Julia Lipez to join the appeals court last year, but her nomination was scrapped in a deal to confirm more U.S. District Court judges before Trump took office.
The Maine Senate confirmed Lipez’s nomination to the state’s highest court in March.
