President Obama Nominates Miller Canfield Lawyer as a Federal Judge
The law firm of Miller Canfield announces that principal Matthew F. Leitman (Troy, Mich. office) has been nominated by President Obama as a federal judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. His potential judgeship continues a long tradition of Miller Canfield lawyers entering public service leadership roles.
“Nomination by a President to the federal judiciary is among the highest honors to which anyone in our profession can aspire,” said Michael McGee, Miller Canfield CEO. “This is a tremendous honor for Matt and reflects his deep commitment to the justice system, to fairness and equality, and to the highest standards of professionalism and ethics. We know Matt to be an exemplary lawyer who serves his clients with great passion and distinction. Now those qualities will be put into the service of the public-at-large.”
Leitman’s nomination must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
In a statement, President Obama said, “These men and women have had distinguished legal careers and I am honored to ask them to continue their work as judges on the federal bench. They will serve the American people with integrity and an unwavering commitment to justice.”
In its 161-year history, Miller Canfield has seen many lawyers take on public leadership positions. Most recently, Mark Boonstra was appointed judge for the Third District Court of Appeals in Michigan. The distinguished list of alumni in public service also includes: Gerald Rosen, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan; Stephen Markman, Michigan Supreme Court Justice; Clifford Taylor (of counsel in Lansing, Mich. office), former Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice; Saul Green (senior counsel in Detroit office), former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan and former Deputy Mayor of Detroit; Spencer Abraham, former U.S. Senator and Secretary of Energy; Robert Griffin, former U.S. Senator and Michigan Supreme Court Justice; and Eddie Francis, Mayor of Windsor, Ontario, among others.
At Miller Canfield, Leitman practices in the areas of criminal defense, complex commercial litigation, and appellate litigation. He has been recognized in Best Lawyers and as a Michigan Super Lawyer for his work in litigation and criminal defense.
Leitman received his J.D., magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School and his B.A., with highest distinction, from the University of Michigan. He has served as president of the Michigan Harvard Law School Association since 2008.