News Summary
President Trump has nominated Joshua Dunlap, a partner at Pierce Atwood law firm, for the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The nomination, made via social media, aims to fill a vacancy that has persisted since last year. Senator Susan Collins praised Dunlap’s qualifications, which include graduating first in his class from Notre Dame Law School and extensive experience in commercial law. As Dunlap prepares for the Senate Judiciary Committee, his nomination has already drawn attention from key legal figures and stakeholders in the judicial process.
Boston, MA – President Donald Trump has officially nominated Joshua Dunlap for the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, with the announcement made via social media on Wednesday. This nomination aims to fill a judicial vacancy that has remained open since last year.
Dunlap, a respected partner at the Pierce Atwood law firm in Portland, Maine, holds extensive experience in handling commercial cases across both state and federal courts. He is currently the chair of his firm’s appeals team and has participated in high-profile lawsuits within Maine. His recent engagements include challenges to campaign finance laws and the state’s right to repair law, both of which were passed through citizens’ referendums.
As part of the nomination process, Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) noted that Dunlap was chosen as a “top candidate” following a thorough vetting process conducted by a committee she formed to evaluate nominees for Senate-confirmed positions. Dunlap’s impressive qualifications include graduating first in his class from the University of Notre Dame Law School and completing a clerkship with Hon. Paul J. Kelly Jr. of the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
The nomination process is set to unfold as Dunlap prepares to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Following this appearance, the committee will vote on his nomination, which will then be forwarded to the full Senate for further consideration.
Dunlap, who resides in Scarborough, Maine, was raised in the town of Vassalboro. His experience and qualifications have garnered praise from prominent figures, including David Barry, the managing partner at Pierce Atwood, who described him as “an exceptional lawyer.” Furthermore, Senator Collins has expressed confidence that Dunlap’s background in appellate law, combined with his intelligence and temperament, makes him a fitting candidate for the federal bench.
This nomination comes after a previous selection by President Joe Biden, who had nominated Maine Judge Julia Lipez for the same position. However, Lipez’s nomination was withdrawn as part of a larger agreement to confirm other U.S. District Court judges, thus leaving the position vacant until now.
Joshua Dunlap’s legal career highlights his dedication to the law and commitment to public service, further indicating that his potential appointment could influence judicial decisions on key issues facing the region and the nation. As the process of confirmation unfolds, stakeholders will closely monitor his progress toward achieving a seat on the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
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- Press Herald
- Reuters
- Bloomberg Law
- Google Search: Joshua Dunlap
- Wikipedia: Federal judiciary of the United States
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
