May 18, 2016 – Attorney Donald Schott testified today in a hearing before the U.S. Senate’s Committee on the Judiciary. The hearing is another formal step in the nomination process to become a judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. The position has been vacant for six years and is the longest standing federal court vacancy in the country.
Schott, a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin, is a partner at Quarles & Brady’s Madison law office. He received his bachelor’s degree in 1977 from UW-Madison and received his law degree from Harvard University in 1980.
He was nominated to fill the vacancy by President Obama in January. If approved by the Judiciary Committee, Schott’s nomination will be decided by a vote of the full Senate.
For more information contact Brittney Weiland, public affairs coordinator, State Bar of Wisconsin. She can be reached at org bweiland wisbar wisbar bweiland org, or by phone at (608) 250-6145.
In the nomination hearing today, Schott was one of five nominees who testified in front of the committee for consideration for federal judgeships. Both Senators from Wisconsin supported the nomination, and Sen. Baldwin introduced Schott at today’s hearing.
“Today we have a very experienced and qualified nominee who is ready to serve and restore the Seventh Circuit to its full strength. I want to thank the committee for holding this hearing and moving this nomination forward. The people of Wisconsin and the entire Seventh Circuit deserve a fully functioning court to ensure the swift and thorough administration of justice,” Sen. Baldwin said to the panel. “Don Schott will be an outstanding federal judge and his experience, qualifications and expertise will serve Wisconsin and the entire Seventh Circuit well.”
Schott thanked his family and friends, among others, during his opening remarks and then answered questions posed by various members of the panel. Panel member Sen. Richard Durbin (D – Ill.) asked Schott why he was interested in making the lifestyle change from seasoned litigator to appellate court judge.
Schott noted that he has been asked this question several times before answering, “The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals is a highly regarded court with excellent judges. I do think having somebody there who’s been in the trenches, tried cases and had that practical experience will bring something to that court, and I’d certainly appreciate the opportunity to do that.”
About Donald Schott
Schott began working at Quarles & Brady’s Milwaukee office after graduating from law school. From 1983-1985, he worked as a legislative liaison for the office of the Governor. He returned to Quarles & Brady’s Madison office in 1985 and became partner in 1987.
With over 30 years of experience, he has significant litigation experience at both the trial and appellate level. Schott has argued cases before the Seventh and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Wisconsin Supreme Court. He counts his strengths in the areas of securities, business fraud, commercial disputes, health care and energy-related disputes.
Schott has served on his firm’s executive committee since 1999 and has been involved in many other professional organizations during his tenure.
