President Trump has nominated Rebecca Taibleson for the Seventh Circuit seat in Wisconsin that was previously held by Judge Diane Sykes. This is yet another home run pick for President Trump. And, I think we are seeing something of a pattern. Trump's nominee to the Sixth Circuit, Whitney Hermendorfer, clerked for Judge Kavanaugh, and then Justices Alito and Barrett. Trump's nominee to the Third Circuit, Jenn Mascott, clerked for Judge Kavanaugh and Justice Thomas. Trump's nominee to the Ninth Circuit, Eric Tung clerked for Judge Gorsuch, and Justices Scalia and Gorsuch. And now Trump's nominee to the Seventh Circuit, Taibleson, clerked for Judge Kavanaugh and Justice Scalia. Of Trump's six circuit nominees this year, four started their careers with a Justice that Trump appointed.
More judges fit this mold from the first administration. D.C. Circuit Judge Justin Walker clerked for Judge Kavanaugh and Justice Kennedy. Fourth Circuit Judge Allison Jones Rushing clerked for Judges Gorsuch and Sentelle, and Justice Thomas. Judge Sarah Pitlyk (Eastern District of Missouri) clerked for Judge Kavanuagh. (I'm sure I'm missing others--let me know who I forgot.) If you want to see who Trump will pick, look who they clerked for.
I've known Rebecca since 2008, in an indirect way. Rebecca's father, Michael Krauss, was one of my favorite professors of all time. He taught Torts, Legal Ethics, Jurisprudence, Products Liability, and many and other classes at George Mason Law School. I took him twice, voluntarily, knowing that it would not be an easy grade. Michael was a rock of principle who pushed me in ways that inspired me as a person, lawyer, and a professor. He was a proud conservative. I used to be a hardcore Randian, and Michael (thankfully) knocked it out of me. He was utterly unafraid of being cancelled (a term that didn't exist in those years). As a law student, I hosted Michael for talks about the latest conflict in Israel and other controversial topics. He never flinched.
