Mayer Brown partner confirmed as federal judge

Robert Dow Jr. (IL & Brasenose '87)

Nov. 13, 2007

By Staff


Mayer Brown partner confirmed as federal judge

(Crain’s) — A partner at Mayer Brown LLP was confirmed Tuesday by the U.S. Senate as a federal district court judge.

Robert Dow Jr., 42, who has been with Chicago-based Mayer Brown since 1995, will be a U.S. district judge in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Mr. Dow, who grew up in Joliet and lives there, was approved by the Senate 86 to 0. He said this morning that he was "very excited" and that he expects to be sworn in this year.

"We at Mayer Brown are delighted that the Senate has unanimously confirmed Bob Dow as United States District Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois," James D. Holzhauer, chairman of the firm, said in a statement. "His keen intelligence, sound judgment and unimpeachable integrity make him ideally qualified for his new responsibilities. He will be an outstanding jurist. Bob will be greatly missed by our clients and his partners and co-workers at Mayer Brown. We offer him our heartfelt congratulations."

U.S. Rep. Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., submitted Mr. Dow’s name to President Bush for consideration earlier this year. Illinois Democratic Sens. Dick Durbin and Barack Obama consulted with Rep. Hastert on the nomination, according to a joint statement from Sens. Durbin and Obama.

“Robert Dow is a highly respected lawyer who is well known for his keen intellect, good judgment and excellent temperament,” Sen. Durbin said in the statement. “I believe he will make a fine judge and I am pleased that he was confirmed today by the full Senate.”

“Mr. Dow has demonstrated a strong personal commitment to pro bono work and public service, both of which will suit him well as a federal judge,” Sen. Obama said in the statement. “I join Sen. Durbin in congratulating Mr. Dow on his confirmation.”

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