Bipartisan Team Forms to Select Judges for Eastern Pennsylvania Court
Senators Dave McCormick and John Fetterman have established a bipartisan leadership team to oversee the selection of candidates for future judicial appointments to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. This court serves one of the nation’s most populous and legally intricate regions. The announcement marks a significant step in shaping the federal judiciary in the area.
Leadership and Structure of the Selection Committee
Co-chairs of the newly formed judicial selection commission, Andy Reilly and Deborah Willig, will spearhead the vetting process. The commission will review applications and guide the evaluation of candidates, ultimately forwarding recommendations for judicial appointments. This body holds a crucial role in ensuring that nominees possess the requisite experience, temperament, and integrity for lifetime appointments.
Senator McCormick emphasized the necessity for a selection process that prioritizes legal excellence and adherence to constitutional principles. He stated the importance of appointing judges capable of applying the law impartially and competently. Senator Fetterman echoed this sentiment, noting the co-chairs’ extensive leadership experience in the Philadelphia legal community. He believes their backgrounds will enable them to identify candidates who can adequately reflect and serve the diverse communities within Eastern Pennsylvania.
Profiles of the Co-Chairs
Andy Reilly, who is of counsel at the Pennsylvania-based law firm Stevens & Lee, brings decades of experience in advising clients on government relations, regulatory issues, litigation, and complex business transactions. His public service includes work with municipal entities and participation on federal and state judicial and disciplinary panels. He has also led a U.S. Senate–appointed commission responsible for vetting candidates for senior federal law enforcement positions.
Deborah Willig, a managing partner at Willig, Williams & Davidson, is a nationally recognized authority in labor relations and employment law. With over 40 years of experience, she has represented unions in both the public and private sectors and has played a pivotal role in significant collective bargaining negotiations. Willig made history as the first female chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association and has received numerous accolades for her advocacy and leadership in the legal profession.
The commission opened applications for judicial appointments to the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on September 30, 2025. All submissions must be completed by December 31, 2025. The commission is anticipated to commence its review process shortly after the deadline, setting the stage for recommendations that could influence the region’s federal judiciary for years to come.
As this process unfolds, it will be closely monitored by legal professionals and the public, given its potential long-term impact on the legal landscape of Eastern Pennsylvania.
