Federal Magistrate Judge Up for Reappointment

The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia wants feedback from the bar and the general public on the performance of U.S. District Magistrate Judge Deborah Robinson, whose term will expire later this year.

Robinson has served as a federal magistrate judge since 1988. Magistrate judges serve eight-year terms; Robinson's third term will expire July 17.

Before joining the court, Robinson spent eight years as an assistant U.S. attorney in the District. She is one of three magistrate judges who serve on the U.S. District Court in Washington.

A District Court panel will decide whether to recommend Robinson be appointed by the court for another term. The panel includes six attorneys: Arent Fox partner Henry Morris Jr.; Paulette Chapman, a partner at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson, DePaolis & Lightfoot; John Mannarino of the U.S. attorney’s office; Mary Lou Soller of Miller & Chevalier; solo practitioner Edward Sussman; and Robert Tucker of the Federal Public Defender's office.

The panel also includes two non-attorneys from the community, Ernestine Coghill-Howard and Gregory Davis.

The panel is accepting comments through Jan. 27. They can be sent to Sheldon Snook, Administrative Assistant to the Chief Judge, Room 2002, E. Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse, 333 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, D.C., 20001.

Comments

[Thomas Abbenante]

I have known Magistrate Judge Robinson since we were law clerks in Superior Court. I tried cases against her when she was an Assistant United State Attorney. I have appeared before her numerous times since her initial appointment to the bench. She has always conducted herself in a manner that is a credit to our court and the local bar. I recommend her for reappointment without any reservations. She does a great job.

[Joseph R. Conte]

I have appeared before Magistrate Judge Robinson since her appointment probably on average of 5 to 10 times per year. Judge Robinson has always done an outstanding job as a magistrate. She is dedicated, knowledgeable of the law and treats all parties with respect. Judge Robinson should be reappointed.