Charleston Leader

U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin have introduced a bill to designate the Clarksburg Federal Courthouse in West Virginia as the "Irene M. Keeley United States Courthouse." This bill is a tribute to Judge Irene M. Keeley, who was the first woman appointed as a judge for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia and served in that position for over 30 years.

Ranking Member Capito expressed her admiration for Judge Keeley's dedication to justice and her trailblazing role as the first female judge in the district. She said, "There is no one else more deserving of this recognition, and I am proud to introduce this bill to commend her achievements." Senator Capito also highlighted the significance of designating the courthouse in Judge Keeley's honor, stating that it is a fitting tribute to her decades of dedication to her state and country.

Senator Manchin also praised Judge Keeley for her unwavering commitment to justice and her role as the former Chief Judge and the first woman to serve on the bench for the Northern District of West Virginia. He expressed his support for the bill, stating that Judge Keeley's legacy will inspire the next generation of legal professionals in West Virginia.

Judge Irene M. Keeley earned her law degree from the West Virginia College of Law in 1980. After practicing law in the private sector for over a decade, she was nominated by President George H. W. Bush as a Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia in 1992. She was confirmed by the U.S. Senate by unanimous consent on August 11, 1992.

During her career, Judge Keeley served as the Chief Judge of the district's court from March 2001 to March 2008. She took inactive senior status on September 30, 2022.

The bill introduced by Senators Capito and Manchin aims to honor Judge Irene M. Keeley's remarkable career and contributions to the field of law by designating the Clarksburg Federal Courthouse in her name. This designation will serve as a lasting tribute to Judge Keeley's dedication, fairness, accountability, and compassion in the pursuit of justice.

As the bill makes its way through the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, it is expected to garner bipartisan support and recognition of Judge Keeley's accomplishments. The dedication of the Clarksburg Federal Courthouse in her honor will not only celebrate her achievements but also inspire future generations of legal professionals in West Virginia.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/capito-manchin-introduce-bill-to-designate-clarksburg-federal-courthouse-in-honor-of-judge-irene-m-keeley