President Biden nominates Widener Law alumna Keli Neary to U.S. District Court
President Joe Biden has nominated Keli M. Neary, a distinguished alumna of Widener University Commonwealth Law School, to serve as a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
“We are very pleased that President Biden has recognized the gifts and talents of Keli Neary in nominating her to serve as a federal district court judge in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Keli Neary represents the very best qualities and values we strive to instill in all of our graduates at Widener Law Commonwealth. We look forward to a speedy confirmation process and are very proud to count Neary as one of our own,” said Dean andré douglas pond cummings.
Neary has built a notable career in public service and legal practice, currently serving as executive deputy attorney general for the Civil Law Division of the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, which is led by Attorney General Michelle Henry, a 1994 graduate of the law school. Neary has held this position since 2019.
“Keli Neary’s extensive experience serving our Commonwealth make her well-qualified to serve the Middle District of Pennsylvania as a district court judge,” said U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA). “From her years of experience at the Pennsylvania State Police to her years in the Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General—including her current role as Chief of the Civil Law Division for Pennsylvania’s Office of the Attorney General—Keli has served a vital role in keeping Pennsylvania communities safe and fighting for equal justice for all. I look forward to her swift confirmation by the Senate.”
Her journey within the Office of Attorney General began in 2012, where she served as deputy, senior deputy, and later chief deputy attorney general in the Civil Law Division. Before joining the Office of Attorney General, Neary was an assistant counsel in the Pennsylvania State Police’s Office of Chief Counsel from 2007 to 2012.
Neary’s legal career started with clerking roles for Judges C. Joseph Rehkamp, Kathy Morrow, and Keith B. Quigley on the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas from 2006 to 2007. Her academic foundation was laid at Widener University Commonwealth Law School, where she earned her juris doctor in 2006. She also holds a bachelor of arts, cum laude, from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, which she received in 2003.
Neary’s nomination is part of Biden’s ongoing effort to diversify the federal bench with highly qualified and representative individuals. If confirmed, Neary will bring her extensive experience in civil law and public service to the federal judiciary.
Her nomination is pending confirmation by the U.S. Senate.
