The Push for Blue Slips

Ethics, accountability, and court reform continue to be central public conversations, and we must keep the pressure on. As the Senate Judiciary Committee’s (SJC) schedule tightens, it’s crucial to remember that there aren’t many days left for hearings in the 118th Congress. Unfortunately, two highly qualified district court nominees are still waiting for their blue slips from home state senators. 

Republican Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott of Florida, and Republican Senator Steve Daines of Montana, are withholding blue slips and preventing the SJC from holding hearings for nominees Detra Shaw-Wilder (S.D. Fla.) and Danna Jackson (D. MT). 

Detra Shaw-Wilder is a litigation partner at Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton, specializing in complex commercial cases, business law, shareholder disputes, and high-level contract issues. If confirmed, Shaw-Wilder would bring vital representation to the bench as the only Black woman serving on the district court since the passing of Judge Marcia Cooke. 

Danna Jackson serves as Tribal Attorney for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and has a rich history working for the Bureau of Land Management and the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. If confirmed, Jackson would be the first Native American individual to serve on the District of Montana. 

These continued delays are not just procedural — they are political roadblocks that hinder the progress of our judiciary and undermine the confirmation process. These nominees deserve timely hearings, and the refusal to submit blue slips only perpetuates the backlog in our courts.  

The Good News  

While not much is happening on the judicial nominations front, the federal courts team is gearing up for some exciting new changes! 

As we say goodbye to one incredible colleague, we welcome new beginnings. Our current Dorot Fellow, Brianna Davis, who has played a key role in drafting "The Rush," will be completing her fellowship with Alliance for Justice in just a few weeks. Over the past year, Brianna has been an invaluable member of our team, contributing research, analysis, and advocacy to highlight the importance of our federal judiciary. Most recently, she authored a compelling blog post, “10 Things You Might Not Know About Judicial Nominations,” which sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of the nominations process. 

Brianna’s passion for justice and her commitment to uplifting marginalized voices in the legal system have left a lasting impact on our work, and she will certainly be missed. 

But not all is sad on the federal courts team! As one chapter closes, a new one begins. We are thrilled to announce that Jamaal Lockings will soon be joining us as the incoming Dorot Fellow. Jamaal brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team, and we’re excited for the fresh perspective he’ll bring to our advocacy efforts. Jamaal graduated from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law in May 2024, after earning his B.S. in Public Relations and Communications from the University of Central Arkansas in 2021. During law school, Jamaal gained valuable experience as a Legal Fellow in the office of State Representative Erin Zwiener, where he contributed to legislation establishing a task force to recommend the repatriation and disposition of Indigenous objects held by state institutions and agencies. He also conducted legal and legislative research on critical issues such as LGBTQIA+ protections, reproductive health care, diversity and inclusion programs, felony disenfranchisement, election protection, and juvenile justice. In addition, Jamaal served as a Law Clerk at the Texas Civil Rights Project, where he interviewed incarcerated individuals regarding ongoing investigations and legal matters, including allegations of abuse within the jail system and cases of health care neglect. 

What’s Next? 

As we look ahead, we’re excited for the Senate to return to session on September 9, when the spotlight will once again be on the confirmation of several exceptional judicial nominees. Karla M. Campbell, nominated to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, is a highly respected Nashville litigator with over a decade of experience in employment and labor law. Her deep expertise will be a tremendous asset to the federal bench. Catherine Henry, nominated to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, brings over 20 years of dedicated service as a public defender. Her unwavering commitment to justice and her extensive legal experience make her an outstanding choice for the federal judiciary. We’re also enthusiastic about Judge Michelle Williams Court, nominated to the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Currently serving as the Supervising Judge of the Civil Division for the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, Judge Court’s leadership and judicial wisdom are invaluable. We are optimistic about seeing these remarkable nominees confirmed, and we look forward to their contributions to a federal judiciary that truly reflects the diversity, strength, and integrity of our nation. 

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