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Judicial Appointments - District of Columbia (1)
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4520596
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Judicial Appointments - District of Columbia (1)
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Philip W. Buchen Files
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The original documents are located in Box 20, folder "Judicial Appointments - District of
Columbia (1)" of the Philip Buchen Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald R. Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box 20 of the Philip Buchen Files
at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Jay had marked this for
files -- but thought
you'd want to see it.
Eva
Perfling
FORD 0708 LIBRA
Forfils
ROSEMARY SCOTT
ATTORNEY
714 GRAND RAPIDS MUTUAL BUILDING
201 MONROE AVENUE N. W.
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN 49502
GLENDALE 4-7070
October 23, 1974
Mr. Philip W. Buchen,
Counsel to the President,
The White House,
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. Buchen:
May I thank you for returning my call in
reference to Mr. C. Frank Reifsnyder who has been
proposed through the United States Department of
Justice to the White House for appointment as appellate
judge in the District of Columbia.
Thank you very much for the anticipated
expedition of your consideration of his nomination.
I am joined by Marion Jennings in conveying
to you our hearty admiration, and I again express my
gratitude for your kind attention.
Sincerely yours,
Dear
Rosemary Scott
RS:mj
GERALD
-IBRARY
sent to
Chapman wrote:
Lebeder 10/25/74
No objection to Flaum and Reifsnyder
Buchen:
Concur
Reifonyder C. drank
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Ilaum,
October 15, 1974
Jul
MEMORANDUM FOR:
PHILIP BUCHEN
FROM:
SAMUEL A. SCHULHOF
CONCUR:
WILLIAM N. WALKER
SUBJECT:
Associate Judge of the District of
Columbia Court of Appeals
Attached is a copy of my proposed memorandum to The President
discussing the nomination of C. Frank Reifsnyder as Associate Judge
of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.
As we wish to finalize this recommendation by Friday, October 18, 1974,
please have your office let Greg Lebedev's office know of your opinion
as soon as convenient in order that we may accurately represent your views
in the final decision memorandum. If we have not heard from your office
by that time, we will assume that you have no opinion and go forward with
the memorandum. Your observations and assistance will be greatly
appreciated.
Thank you very much.
FORD is LIBRARY OFRALD
Attachments
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
DONALD RUMSFELD
FROM:
SAMUEL A. SCHULHOF
CONCUR:
WILLIAM N. WALKER
SUBJECT:
C. Frank Reifsnyder as Associate Judge
of the District of Columbia Court of
Appeals
This memorandum seeks your approval of C. Frank Reifsnyder as
Associate Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals vice
Hubert B. Pair, retired. Reifsnyder, 54, currently is an Associate
Partner of the Washington law firm of Hogan & Hartson; and his career
profile is attached for your review (Tab A).
Mr. Reifsnyder is a Republican, and Attorney General Saxbe's letter
of recommendation states that the Judicial Appointments Committee
of the D. C. Bar Association has submitted a report in which they
express their opinion that 11 Mr. Reifsnyder is highly qualified
for appointment to this position. 11 (Tab B). Although many other
individuals have sought this position, the Attorney General's recommenda.
tion is founded upon the competence of Mr. Reifsnyder and the need to
strengthen the D. C. Court of Appeals.
I, therefore, recommend the nomination of C. Frank Reifsnyder as
Associate Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.
Approve
Disapprove
Attachments: Tabs A - B
FCRD is LIBRAS G7VE
FORD
C. FRANK REIFSNYDER
Born:
September 6, 1920 Ottumwa, Iowa
Legal Residence:
Maryland
Marital Status:
Married
Wife-Nancy Lee; 3 children
Education:
1938-1946
George Washington University
A.B. degree (1944)
LL.B. degree (1946)
Bar:
1945
District of Columbia
Experience:
1946-1947
Law Clerk to Chief Judge Bolitha J.
Laws, U.S. District Court, District
of Columbia
1947-1951
Assistant U.S. Attorney
District of Columbia
1951 to present
Associate, Partner
Hogan & Hartson
Washington, D.C.
Office:
815 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
202-331-4548
Home:
10605 Stable Lane
Potomac, Maryland 20854
301-299-4225
Present Position:
Lawyer
Political Affiliation:
Republican
Ethnic Group:
Caucasian
Salary:
$38,250
FORD
GERALD
LIBRARY
Office of the Attorney General
SEQUITUR
Washington, B. C. 20530
DONORA
JUSTITIA
October 4, 1974
My dear Mr. President:
I have the honor to enclose the nomination of C. Frank Reifsnyder,
of Maryland, to be an Associate Judge of the District of Columbia
Court of Appeals for the term of fifteen years vice Hubert B. Pair,
retired.
Mr. Reifsnyder was born September 6, 1920 in Ottumwa, Iowa,
is married and has three children.
He attended George Washington University from 1938 to 1946,
receiving his A.B. degree in 1944 and his LL.B. degree in 1946.
From 1946 to 1947 Mr. Reifsnyder served as a law clerk to
Chief Judge Bolitha J. Laws, United States District Court for the
District of Columbia. From 1947 to 1951 he served as Assistant
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Since 1951 he has
practiced law with the firm of Hogan and Hartson in Washington,
D.C.
The Judicial Appointments Committee of the Bar Association
of the District of Columbia has submitted a report in which they
state their opinion that Mr. Reifsnyder is highly qualified for
appointment to this position. He bears an excellent reputation
as to character and integrity, has judicial temperament, and is,
I believe, worthy of appointment as an Associate Judge of the
District of Columbia Court of Appeals.
I recommend the nomination.
Respectfully,
wm B Sayle
The President
The White House
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 15, 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR:
PHILIP BUCHEN
FROM:
SAMUEL A. SCHULHOF
CONCUR:
WILLIAM N. WALKER
SUBJECT:
U.S. District Judge, Northern District
of Illinois
Attached is a copy of my proposed memorandum to The President
discussing the nomination of Joel M. Flaum as U.S. District Judge for
the Northern District of Illinois.
As we wish to finalize this recommendation by Friday, October 18, 1974,
please have your office let Mr. Lebedev's office know of your opinion as soon
as convenient in order that we may accurately represent your views in
thefinal decision memorandum. If we have not hear from your office
by that time, we will assume that you have no opinion and go forward with
the memorandum. Your observations and assistance will be greatly
appreciated.
Thank you very much.
Attachments
FOND
ABVUEIT
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 10, 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
DONALD RUMSFELD
FROM:
SAMUEL A. SCHULHOF
CONCUR:
WILLIAM N. WALKER
SUBJECT:
Joel M. Flaum as United States
District Judge for the Northern
District of Illinois
This memorandum seeks your approval of Joel M. Flaum as U.S. District
Judge for the Northern District of Illinois, vice Philip W. Tone, elevated.
Mr. Flaum, 37, currently serves as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney in the
Northern District of Illinois; and his career profile is attached for your
review (Tab A).
Mr. Flaum is an Independent, and is primarily supported by Senator Charles
Percy (R-Illinois). The Attorney General's letter of recommendation
states that the Standing Committee on Federal Judiciary of the ABA has
submitted a report in which they indicate that 11 half the members feel
that Mr. Flaum is well qualified and the other half feel he is qualified for
appointment to this position. " (Tab B)
I, therefore, recommend the nomination of Joel M. Flaum as United States
District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois.
Approve
Disapprove
FORD
GENALD
LIBRARY
Attachments: Tabs A-B
JOEL M. FLAUM
Born:
November 26, 1936 Hudson, New York
Legal Residence:
Illinois
Marital Status:
Married
Wife-Thea; two children
Education:
1954-1958
Union College, B.A. degree
1958-1959
Albany Law School
Northwestern University
School of Law
1961-1963
J.D. degree
1963-1964
L.L.M. degree
Bar:
1963
Illinois
Experience:
1964-1965
Schimberg, Greenberger, Krauss
& Jacobs; Chicago, Illinois
1965-1969
Assistant State's Attorney
Cook County, Illinois
1967-1969
Lecturer, Northwestern University
School of Law
1969-1970
Assistant Attorney General
1970-1972
First Assistant Attorney General
State of Illinois
1972 to present
Firs: Assistant U.S. Attorney
Northern District of Illinois
Office:
Everett McKinley Dirkse Building
219 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60604
Telephone: 312-353-533!
Home:
734 West Hutchinson Street
Chicago, Illinois 60613
Telephone: 312-935-5524
Present Position:
Assistant U.S. Attorney
FORD
Politics:
Independent
GERALD
LIBRARY
Ethnic Group:
Caucasian
Salary:
$40,000
FOOD
LIBRARY
-
/
1
Office of the Attorney General
PRO
SEQUITUR
Washington, n. C. 20530
justitia
September 23, 1974
My dear Mr. President:
I have the honor to enclose the nomination of Joel M. Flaum,
of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Northern
District of Illinois vice Philip W. Tone, elevated.
Mr. Flaum was born November 26, 1936 in Hudson, New York, is
married and has two children.
He attended Union College from 1954 to 1958 when he received
his B.A. degree. He attended Albany Law School from 1958 to 1959
and Northwestern University School of Law from 1961 to 1963 when
he received his J.D. degree. He received an L.L.M. degree from
Northwestern in 1964. He was admitted to the Illinois State Bar
in 1963.
From 1964 to 1965 he practiced law with the firm of Schimberg,
Greenberger, Krauss & Jacobs in Chicago. He served as Assistant
State's Attorney for Cook County, Illinois from 1965 to 1969. From
1967 to 1969 he was a lecturer at Northwestern University School
of Law From 1969 to 1970 he was an Assistant Attorney General
and from 1970 to 1972, First Assistant Attorney General for the
State of Illino S. Since 1972 he has been First Assistant United
States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.
The Standii g Committee on Federal Judiciary of the American
Bar Association has submitted a report in which half the members
feel that Mr. F. aum is well qualified and the other half feel he
is qualified fo : appointment to this position He bears an excellent
reputation as to character and integrity, has judicial temperament,
and is, I believe, worthy of appointment as 2 United States District
Judge.
is
FORD
I recommend the nomination.
GERALD
LIBRARY
Respectfully,
The President
We B'Sayhe
The White House
teller
Tuesday 10/15/74
4:55 Dudley Chapman checked with Greg Lebedev
concerning the nomination of C. Frank Riesnyder
to be a judge.
It is being circulated for approval now and we have
until Friday to give our approval.
It apparently
has been O.K. 'd by everyone but us.
LIBRARY GERALD R. FORD
Friday 10/11/74
2:50 Rosemary Scott called from Grand Rapids --
(616) 454-7070
concerned the nomination of C. Frank Riesnyder
(apparently nominated and apparently cleared by
Justice to be appointed a judge).
Returned
call10/15/74
Samphthies
Dudley Chapman:
Kindly advisen me where this
nomination stands
FORD is GERALD LIBRARY
T.
10/15/74 3:40
called Dudleys he
will let us know
LIBRARY GERALD ? FORD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 28, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JOHN MINTZ
GENERAL COUNSEL
FBI
FROM:
KEN LAZARUS
SUBJECT:
D.C. Judicial Nominations Commission
In accordance with my phone conversation with Jack Harrington
earlier today, this is to advise that we have no objection to
your providing assistance to the D.C. Judicial Nominations
Commission in the course of their screening of candidates
for appointment to the D.C. Superior Court. Specifically,
the Commission's request for access to "Name Check" and
"Ident" information should be honored provided that written
releases are obtained from the individuals involved and
provided to the Bureau.
I have discussed this matter with Deputy Attorney General
Tyler who concurs with our views.
cc: Honorable Harold Tyler
Phil Buchen
Rod Hills
Bernie Rachner
FORD & 076839 LIBRARY
May 19, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
MR. JOHN T. DUFFNER
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
THE DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL
Enclosed is a copy of a recommendation
concerning Edwin C. Brown, Jr. as a candidate
for Judge of the District of Columbia Superior
Court. I have acknowledged receipt of this
letter.
Philip W. Buchen
Counsel to the President
Enclosure
FORD is LIBRARY QERALD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 19, 1975
Dear Judge Kronheim:
Many thanks for your letter in support of
Edwin C. Brown, Jr. as a candidate for
Judge of the District of Columbia Superior
Court.
I am passing this recommendation on to
those who will be organizing the material
on each of the possible candidates.
Sincerely,
ThiligW.Buehen Philip Buchen
Courisel to the President
The Honorable Milton S. Kronheim, Jr.
3120 Chesapeake Street, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20008
DERALD & FORD LIBRARY
(ajrt.)
Pres
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 1, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
ALAN WOODS
FROM:
PHILIP BUCHEN T.W.B.
Subject;
Associate Judge,
District of Columbia
Court of Appeals
This office concurs in your proposed memo
to the President on this appointment.
FORD is GERALD LIBRARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
3:20 p.m.
June 27
Mr. Buchen,
Ken thinks you should
talk to A. G. Levi
and try to talk him
out of this proposal.
shirley
LIBRARY GERALD 1. FORD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
6-27-75
From Lazarus:
On the merits, Julia Cooper is far and away the
superior candidate. One point not covered in
the memo is the fact that Wiley Branton has
substantial opposition from powerful conser-
vatives on the Hill and is also strongly opposed
by key members of the local federal judiciary.
We should strongly oppose his nomination
lagge
Chapman also supports Cooper.
LIBRARY GERALD = FORD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 18, 1976
MEMO FOR: Phil Buchen
Doug Bennett
Bob Linder
FROM:
Ken Lazarus
FYI
Tuesday 8/17/76
9:55
Ken advises that the D. C. Judicial
Nomination Commission sent over a letter
setting forth three names, from which
the President would choose one ---
for the vacancy when Judge Draper passed
away.
Dudley Williams was one of the names
mentioned. They are sending a second letter
on Dudley Williams because he had failed to
file tax returns for several years.
When these two letters come in, Ken would
like copies of the "whole shmear"°!!°!°!"
aug 16.
Dear Chao. Duncan
orig- Dong Bennett
LIBRARY GERALD ? FORD
John Risher 629-3858
To Benett 8-19-76 76
1976 AUG 16 PM 8 10
Days RDL
RECEP. AND SECURITY UNIT
HOWARD UNIVERSITY
THE 144:1F HOUSE
SCHOOL OF LAW
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20008
CHARLES T. DUNCAN
WASHINGTON CA.
DEAN
August 16, 1976
The President of the United States
The White House
Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. President:
I have the honor to submit, pursuant to Public Law 93-198
(December 24, 1973), the following nominees for appointment to
the Superior Court of the District of Columbia:
Edwin Cicero Brown, Jr.
Arthur Louis Burnett
Dudley Ridault Williams
Respectfully yours,
Charles T. Humcan
Charles T. Duncan
Chairman
The District of Columbia
Judicial Nomination Commission
Members:
Frederick B. Abramson
Clifford L. Alexander
Judge Oliver Gasch
John W. Hechinger
Willie L. Leftwich
William Lucy
FORD
GERALD
LIBRARY
Judgeships
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 28, 1975
Dear Jim:
Mildred has brought to my attention your letter of July
30th on my return from a brief vacation combined with
a number of speaking commitments.
I am not certain at this time whether or not a vacancy
is forthcoming in the near future either among the U. S.
District Judges for the District of Columbia or the U. S.
District Court of Appeals. However, I am asking Phil Buchen
to look into the matter and will have him get in contact
with you concerning his findings.
I can understand the feeling of mixed emotions you and June
may have between living in Bay City or the Nation's Capitol.
It seems most people who have lived here for any length of
time develop a sense of yearning to return.
I really enjoyed hearing from you and I'm sure Phil will
be in touch with you before too long.
Warmest personal regards.
Sincerely Jrs Ful
Honorable James Harvey
U. S. District Court
Bay City, Michigan 48706
A&il 4817 GERALD ? FORD
United States District Court
For the Eastern District of Michigan
Bay City, Michigan 4S706
any
and
CHAMBERS OF
JAMES HARVEY
DISTRICT JUDGE
July 30, 1975
Miss Mildred V. Leonard
Personal Assistant to the President
The White House
Washington, D. C. 20500
Dear Mildred:
At the suggestion of Senator Bob Griffin, of Michigan,
I am sending the enclosed letter, addressed to President Ford,
directly to you, with the request that you deliver it to him.
I would suggest that any reply be sent to me at my home
address which I have set forth below.
Thank you in advance for your assistance in this
matter. All of us in Michigan especially appreciate the
wonderful help that you have rendered to the President
during the many years that you have been with him.
With warmest personal regards,
Sincerely,
Jun JAMES U. S. Harney District
Judge
Enclosure
673 Kenton Drive
Saginaw, Michigan 48603
is
FORD
GERALD
LIBRARY
United States District Court
For the Enstern District of Michigan
Bag City, Michigan 4S706
CHAMBERS OF
JAMES HARVEY
July 30, 1975
DISTRICT JUDGE
The Honorable Gerald R. Ford
The President
The White House
Washington, D. C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
I am writing this letter at the suggestion of our mutual friend,
Senator Bob Griffin, after recently conferring with him in this regard.
Since February 1, 1974, I have been a U. S. District Judge
in the Eastern District of Michigan, and I have found it to be a very
gratifying and challenging position. I spent most of the first ten
months in the Detroit Court, and since January 1st of this year, I have
been handling the docket of the late Judge Stephen J. Roth, holding
court in both Bay City and Flint, Michigan.
In recent weeks I have heard it discussed on several occasions
that there may likely be a vacancy in the near future among the U. S.
District Judges for the District of Columbia, and also the further
possibility that there may be a vacancy on the U. S. District Court
of Appeals. I am well aware that both of these possibilities are no
more than rumors at the present time.
My purpose in writing this letter, however, is to ask that in
the event either of such vacancies do occur, my name be considered
for such appointment.
Senator Griffin advises me, as I am sure you are aware,
that recommendations for these appointments originate in the Office
of the Attorney General, and are not dependent upon the recommendation
of any Senator as is the usual case. If I were appointed to any such
position, Senator Griffin would, of course, recommend a successor
to my present post in Michigan.
is
FORD
GERALD
LIBRARY
The Honorable Gerald R. Ford
July 30, 1975
I have been a member of the District of Columbia Bar Association
since 1963. I have worked harder at acquiring the knowledge and skill
necessary to become a good Federal Judge than at anything else in my
lifetime, and I believe that I have been successful.
My wife, June, and I have enjoyed becoming reacquainted with
our friends in Michigan this past year, although I would be less than
honest if I did not say that we have missed our many friends in
Washington made during the fourteen years that I served in Congress.
In addition, however, I am aware that the nature of the cases commenced
in the U. S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and heard by
the U. S. Court of Appeals there, are more national in scope, and the
decisions of greater consequence, than those in the Bay City or Flint
Courts, where I presently serve.
I am not certain that any vacancies will occur in either the
U. S. District Court, or the Court of Appeals for the District of
Columbia, in the months ahead, but I wanted you to be aware of my
interest in any event.
You have made all of us who worked with you in years past
very proud, for your accomplishments since taking office last August
are unequaled in history. You may be certain of my continued support
in your undertakings in the months and years ahead.
Many thanks for your consideration of my request, and my
warmest personal regards to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Jun JAMES Harney HARVEY
U. S. District Judge
- 2 -
LIBRARY GERALD B. FORD
mack,
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COURT OF APPEALS
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20001
CHAMBERS OF
October 22, 1975
Kindy
JUDGE JULIA COOPER MACK
Mr. Philip Buchen
Counsel to the President
The White House
Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. Buchen:
I interrupt my period of adjustment, as the newest
Associate Judge of the District of Columbia Court of
Appeals, to thank you for your attendance at my investiture
in September of this year. I want the President, and you,
to know that such thoughtfulness has set the stage for
what is proving to be, for me, a fulfilling experience.
Although I neglected to mention this at the ceremony,
I would like very much to have a photograph to exhibit
along with my Presidential Commission which is hanging now
in my Chambers. This display would be singularly meaning-
ful to me since I believe I am the first judge to sit under
the provisions of the District Self-Government and Govern-
mental Reorganization Act.
I am committed to justifying the confidence placed in
me.
Sincerely,
Jac Associate Cooper Judge Mack
10/29
Mildred Leonard is handling.
BERALD R. FORD
shirley