Widener Law Commonwealth alumna Keli Neary ’06 has been confirmed and sworn in as a U.S. district judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, fulfilling a dream in her legal career she began charting as a child.
“I’ve known I wanted to be a judge since I was 12, when I had an impactful experience with a judge in a family law case,” Neary shared. “That experience inspired me to ensure that people—especially children—would have more positive and supportive encounters with the justice system. I wanted everyone to feel heard and understood, regardless of the outcome.”
That early inspiration set her on a determined path to law school, eventually leading her to Widener Law Commonwealth, where she found an environment that nurtured her aspirations and introduced her to legal opportunities beyond her initial focus on family law.
“WLC exposed me to much more than topical areas of law,” Neary reflected. “I had the opportunity to experience oral arguments, trials, brief writing, journal editing, motions practice, and the general exchange of ideas with many diverse individuals. These experiences helped me to identify my strengths and weaknesses and better prepared me to join the profession in areas where I was most likely to enjoy and succeed.”
While Neary’s ambition was always directed toward the bench, her journey evolved throughout her career. A pivotal moment came early on, less than two years after graduating from Widener Law Commonwealth when she experienced her first federal jury trial. The case cemented her passion for federal law and litigation, reinforcing her commitment to one day serve on the federal bench.
Throughout law school, Neary found inspiration and mentorship in several professors who played a crucial role in shaping her career.
“Mike Dimino who taught constitutional law and Michael Hussey who taught federal income tax were first-term professors who showed patience and compassion. As it turns out, they imparted incredibly valuable information that I have been using my entire career,” she said. “Not only am I grateful for the education they imparted, but also for their friendship over the years.”
She also credits faculty like Mary Kate Kearney, whose family law seminar she thoroughly enjoyed, but helped her realize that it was not the right practice area for her, and Liz Simcox, coordinator of externships and an adjunct professor, for demonstrating leadership and problem-solving skills that Neary continues to emulate.Neary’s confirmation to the federal bench is the culmination of years of dedication, but the process was not without its challenges.
“The application itself lasts for several weeks and can be a full-time job,” she said. “Thankfully, I am very organized, so I had reference files for a lot of the information that was needed. And I used technology to my advantage in searching dockets, etc.”
Now, as a U.S. district judge, Neary is eager to bring her years of litigation experience and judicial philosophy to the federal courtroom.
For current law students who aspire to follow in her footsteps, she offers practical advice: “Find a clerkship in any court of any level. This is invaluable,” she said. “Litigate. For me, the best way to prepare to become a judge was appearing before as many judges as possible throughout my career. Seek advice. Find trustworthy people who know about various pathways to the bench and ask for their mentoring. Be involved. Being involved in your community -- both legal and not -- offers exposure to diverse needs, beliefs, and ideas. Using these experiences as background can help give you a better perspective on litigants in your future courtroom. Never give up.”