The Honorable Orrin Hatch

United States Senator
Utah
July 7, 2004

The Nomination of
Michael H. Schneider to be United States District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Texas

July 7, 2004

Michael H. Schneider, nominated to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Texas, is a sitting Texas Supreme Court Justice and an extremely experienced attorney.

Justice Schneider began his legal career in the Harris County District Attorney's Office in 1971. After four years of a varied docket with a particular emphasis on economic crimes, Justice Schneider entered the private sector where he remained until 1990 when he became the Presiding Judge of the 157th District Court in Harris County, Texas. From 1996 until 2002, Justice Schneider served as the Chief Justice of the Texas First Court of Appeals at Houston. In September of 2002, Governor Perry appointed him to the Supreme Court of Texas and Justice Schneider was elected two months later to a term which expires in 2008. This nominee, in addition to his distinguished career on the bench, has tried approximately 150 cases to a verdict.

The ABA has unanimously recognized Justice Schneider's ability and competence with its highest rating of well qualified and I look forward to hearing from him today. He brings a wealth of experience to the federal bench and he will make an excellent addition to the Eastern District of Texas.