Judge appointed to federal bench in Allentown

The United States Senate has confirmed the nomination of Joseph Leeson as a federal

judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Leeson will join Judge James Knoll Gardner at the Allentown courthouse.

"I am pleased that the Senate has come together in a bipartisan fashion to confirm Joseph Leeson to the federal bench," said Senator Bob Casey. "Jay Leeson is an outstanding lawyer with extensive experience and an excellent record. In addition to having a highly respected career in the practice of law, he has also demonstrated an abiding commitment to public service. I'm confident he will serve the Eastern District of Pennsylvania with distinction."

Casey joined his Republican Senate counterpart Pat Toomey in announcing Leeson's confirmation, touting their ability to confirm 14 Pennsylvania district court judges to the federal bench.

Joseph Leeson has been a partner at Leeson & Leeson in Bethlehem since 1980. He was the Bethlehem City Solicitor from 1998 to 2004 and served as a member of the Bethlehem City Council from 2004 to 2010. Born in Allentown, Leeson received his undergraduate degree from DeSales University and his law degree from Catholic University School of Law. He was nominated by President Barack Obama in June to replace Senior U.S. District Judge Eduardo C. Robreno.

"For the first time, the Allentown courthouse will have two sitting federal district court judges," said Toomey. "This is a great day for the city, and I am confident that Mr. Leeson will excel on the federal bench. I will continue working with Senator Casey to recommend well-qualified judges to serve the people of Pennsylvania."

Leeson was one of three judges confirmed for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, along with former state Attorney General Jerry Pappert and Montgomery County attorney Mark Kearney. Pappert and Kearney have been assigned to the Philadelphia courthouse.

Two judicial vacancies remain in the U.S. District Court for Western Pennsylvania, headquartered in Pittsburgh. Last month President Barack Obama nominated U.S. District Judge Luis Felipe Restrepo to a seat on the U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals.