Paul Kelly | |
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| Senior Judge of theUnited States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit | |
| Assumed office December 31, 2017 | |
| Judge of theUnited States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit | |
| In office April 13, 1992 – December 31, 2017 | |
| Appointed by | George H. W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Seat established |
| Succeeded by | Joel M. Carson III |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Paul Joseph Kelly Jr. (1940-12-06)December 6, 1940 (age 85) |
| Education | University of Notre Dame (BBA) Fordham University (JD) |
Paul Joseph Kelly Jr. (born December 6, 1940)[1] is aseniorUnited States circuit judge of theUnited States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. His chambers are inSanta Fe,New Mexico.
Born inFreeport,New York, Kelly received aBachelor of Business Administration degree from theUniversity of Notre Dame in 1963 and aJuris Doctor fromFordham University School of Law in 1967. Kelly began his career at the law firm Cravath, Swaine, and Moore inNew York City.[2] He was then in private practice with the firm Hinkle, Bondurant, Cox & Eaton in Roswell andSanta Fe,New Mexico from 1967 to 1992. Kelly was a highly successful jury trial attorney. Upon returning to his office after each successful trial result, his staff would inquire about the result and Kelly's response was always, "Does a cat have a tail?" Kelly approached his practice in a relentless fashion, insisting that every angle of a case be investigated. He always enjoyed teaching young lawyers.[3]
He was aNew Mexico state representative from 1977 to 1981.[4]
On November 19, 1991, Kelly was nominated by PresidentGeorge H. W. Bush to a new seat on theUnited States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit created by 104 Stat. 5089. He was confirmed by theUnited States Senate on April 8, 1992, and received his commission on April 13, 1992.[4] He assumedsenior status on December 31, 2017.[4]
In October 2008, Judge Kelly was honored in the Great Hall of theUnited States Supreme Court Building with the Professionalism Award of theAmerican Inns of Court for the Tenth Circuit.
Kelly still works as a volunteer fire and emergency service volunteer. He is also an avid golfer and skier.[5]
A law review article entitled "Who Would Win a Tournament of Judges" lists Kelly as one of the most commonly cited appellate judges currently serving. Only Judge Posner and Judge Easterbrook consistently bested Kelly.[6] Kelly stated in an Above the Law article that he has no set judicial philosophy—he has decisions landing on both sides of the spectrum.[5]
| Legal offices | ||
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| New seat | Judge of theUnited States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit 1992–2017 | Succeeded by |