Connors Named to U.S. District Court Hawai’i Seat

Clare Connors, nominated by United States Senator Brian Schatz and U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono, was selected by President Barack Obama to the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawai’i.

The announcement came Tuesday. Connors was nominated by the senators as part of the Federal Judicial Selection Commission. Seven members make up the commission, three appointed by each Senator and a chair that is jointly agreed upon. More than 30 applicants were reviewed for the postion.

“Clare Connors is an excellent choice to serve as U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Hawai’i,” said Senator Schatz.  “Her broad experience and legal knowledge makes her an outstanding replacement to fill this important vacancy.  With her deep background in public service, I am confident she will serve the federal court and Hawai’i well.  I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure a speedy confirmation process.”

Connors is a trial attorney with a legal career that began in 2001 with the Tax Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. The Punahou graduate served as a clerk for the Honorable Judge David Ezra in 2002 while he served as a federal district court judge. Connors returned to Hawai’i, where she served as an Assistant United States Attorney. and currently practices law as an associate at Davis Levin Livingston.

“Clare’s judicial experience and deep community ties make her a strong candidate to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawai’i,” said Senator Hirono. “Throughout her professional career, Clare has demonstrated a clear commitment to public service. Her legal background spans both criminal and civil work and includes trial experience. Hawai’i deserves a full and active bench in the U.S. District Court and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to ensure a smooth confirmation process.”

Earning her Bachelor’s degree from Yale, Connors went on to receive a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School. She has served on the faculty of the William S. Richardson School of Law as a Lecturer in Law for the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Clinic. Connors was appointed to be a Lawyer Representative for the District of Hawai’i to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference in 2014 and previously served as a Lawyer Delegate to the Hawai’i District Conference.

Current Chief Judge Susan Oki Mollway will retire from active service on Nov. 6. Connors will take over the position following her retirement.