Nashville Lawyer, Karla Campbell, Nominated for Sixth Circuit by President Biden

President Joe Biden has intentions to nominate a Nashville based attorney to succeed a federal appeals court judge who is set to retire. The retiring judge and nominee share a workplace history which could add a degree of continuity to the court. Biden’s plan forms part of his latest set of judicial nominations.

Campbell’s Career

Karla M. Campbell is set to fill the soon-to-be-open spot at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, pending confirmation. If approved, this will be a first-time bench appointment for Campbell. She has worked at the Nashville law firm Stranch, Jennings & Garvey since 2009, making partner in 2015 and serving as counsel since 2022.

Following the nomination announcement, the law firm released a statement acknowledging Campbell’s exemplary legal skill and her unwavering commitment to justice. They praised her capability to navigate convoluted legal matters, expressing confidence that her adeptness would benefit the court. The firm expressed anticipation of her prompt confirmation and commended the potential positive influence that Campbell could bring to the bench for years to come.

Similar Paths: Campbell and Stranch

Interestingly, the retiring federal appeals court judge, Judge Jane Bransetter Stranch, shares a similar career path with Campbell. Stranch was a managing partner at the same firm where Campbell currently works, before being nominated to the Sixth Circuit by former President Barack Obama in 2010. Stranch and Campbell worked together at Stranch, Jennings & Garvey for a year, and from 2010 to 2011, Campbell served as a clerk for Stranch at the Cincinnati court.

Stranch recently announced her plan to step down from active service on the court, awaiting the confirmation of her successor.

Campbell’s Expertise and Praise

Campbell is known for practicing labor and employment law, and has also worked extensively with marginalized groups. This includes contributing in a class action lawsuit brought by incarcerated residents against the Tennessee Department of Correction over a lack of Hepatitis C medication and involvement in a lawsuit against a Murfreesboro landscaping company, accusing them of trafficking immigrants for forced labor.

Her nomination has been lauded by several civil and human rights groups, particularly for her crucial yet often underrepresented civil rights experience and commitment to safeguarding the rights of working people.

Next Steps

Pending the approval of her nomination, Campbell will appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee for a panel hearing. Following three weeks after the panel hearing, the committee will vote on her nomination. If approved by a majority, her nomination will then proceed to the Senate floor for a debate, a cloture vote to limit debate, and ultimately, a confirmation vote.

Campbell, a graduate from the University of Virginia in 2002 and the Georgetown University Law Center in 2008, declined to comment on her nomination when contacted.