RI federal Judge Smith to take senior status, opening coveted seat

PROVIDENCE – U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith, who shepherded through significant charges during his tenure leading the federal district court in Rhode Island has notified President Joe Biden that he will be assuming senior status Jan. 1, 2025, opening coveted seat on the federal bench.

Nominated by President George W. Bush in 2002, to the seat vacated by the Judge Ronald R. Lagueux, and received his commission on Nov. 15, 2002. Smith was confirmed by the U.S. Senate that November.

Smith served as chief judge of the court from 2013 before handing over the reins to U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr., in 2019.

On his watch, the court ushered in significant and lasting changes. It established a re-entry program known as H.O.P.E. (“Helping Offenders Prepare for reEntry”) court for offenders on post-conviction supervision that strives to assist them in their reintegration to society. It is overseen by Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan. The court also created the Deferred Sentencing Program, a post-guilty-plea program that provides treatment, supervision and services in lieu of imprisonment, with an aim toward rehabilitation.

He worked, too, to cultivate a relationship between the court and the news media. He allowed reporters for the first time to bring cellphones or other electronic devices into the courtroom so reporters could provide real-time coverage of court action via Twitter or other social media. The court, too, launched its own Twitter feed.

McConnell thanked Smith for his dedication and service to Rhode Island and the judiciary on behalf of the court.

“His pronounced focus on innovation and fairness is woven into the fabric of this district. His leadership and temperament are second to none and he has made the practice before this court an enjoyable and rewarding experience for members of the bar,” McConnell said in a statement. “We are grateful he will continue to serve the district as a senior judge, and personally I am honored to be his colleague and friend.”

Smith will continue to render “substantial” judicial service as a senior judge, according to a news release. In addition to maintaining a docket of civil cases, he will stay actively involved in settlement work, and sit by designation in other districts and circuits as needed.

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When will another judge be appointed?

Smith’s decision to take senior status creates the opportunity for the appointment of an additional United States District Judge for the District of Rhode Island. In addition to Smith and McConnell, the court is comprised of Judge Mary S. McElroy, and U.S. Magistrate Judges Lincoln D. Almond, and Patricia A. Sullivan.

Carl Tobias, a professor at the University of Richmond School of Law, observed that "timing will be critical, as it will be more difficult to fill the vacancy the longer it is open, especially in 2024."

"There is time to nominate and confirm someone this year, as rather few nominees are presently awaiting hearings," he said.

Tobias credited U.S. Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse as "savvy veterans, who will be attuned to the calendar."

He emphasized that the White House has stressed diversity in terms of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, experience and ideology. New 1st U.S. Circuit Court Appeals Judge Lara E. Montecalvo is a classic example, he said.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI federal Judge Smith to take senior status, opening coveted seat