Gov. Jack Markell announced the nomination of three women attorneys for open judicial positions, including a closely watched vacancy in Chancery Cour
He also nominated for re-appointment of three members of the judiciary.
Markell is nominating Tamika Montgomery-Reeves, to become Vice Chancellor of the Court of Chancery. If confirmed by the Senate, Montgomery-Reeves would succeed Vice Chancellor Donald F. Parsons, Jr., whose term is set to expire on October 22nd.
Chancery Court is the nation’s leading business court and a key drawing card for companies incorporating in the state.
Currently, a partner at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Montgomery-Reeves focuses on corporate governance, navigation of corporate fiduciary duties, and corporate litigation. Prior to joining the firm, she practiced in the securities and corporate governance department of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP. She has been recognized for her pro bono contribution to the Prisoners’ Rights Project and previously served as a law clerk for Chancellor William B. Chandler III.
“Tamika Montgomery-Reeves has the intellectual ability and strong work ethic necessary to serve on Delaware’s Court of Chancery,” said Governor Markell. “She also has substantial experience practicing corporate law and clerking for the Court of Chancery, and she has demonstrated a genuine passion for the issues handled by the Court. If confirmed by the Senate, I’m confident she will serve to maintain the Court’s deserved reputation as the premier venue for the resolution of business disputes.”
Montgomery-Reeves graduated from University of Georgia School of Law and received her Bachelor’s Degree magna cum laude from the University of Mississippi. She currently resides in Wilmington with her husband and their son.
Markell has been under fire for nominating males for top-level judiciary positions in recent years and was sharply criticized by outgoing Supreme Court Justice Carolyn Burger a few years ago.
“I am honored and humbled to have been nominated by Governor Markell to serve on the Court of Chancery,” said Montgomery-Reeves. “If I am lucky enough to be confirmed by the Senate, I look forward to serving the citizens of Delaware as a member of Delaware’s premier corporate and business law court.”
Markell also announced the nominations of Jennifer Ranji and Danielle Blount for appointment to the Family Court of Delaware. If confirmed by the Senate, they would succeed Judge William L. Chapman Jr., who is retiring later this month to return to private practice, and Commissioner Mary Ann Herlihy, who will also retire from state service at the end of October.
Ranji has served the Markell administration as the Secretary of the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families, and served previously as an educational policy advisor to the Governor. Prior to her current role, she frequently appeared in the family court in private legal practice, served as Deputy Legal Counsel in the Office of Governor Thomas Carper and as Director of Legal Affairs for Family Court of the State of Delaware. While in private practice, she provided pro bono representation to domestic violence victims through Delaware Volunteer Legal Services and to child abuse victims through the Office of the Child Advocate.
“Jennifer is a compassionate, dedicated public servant and has been an invaluable member of my administration,” said Governor Markell. “She has devoted her career to improving the lives of children and families and I’m confident she will continue to do so if confirmed by the Senate.”
Danielle Blount currently serves as Governor Markell’s deputy legal counsel. Blount served previously as a Deputy Attorney General in the Family Division of the Office of the Attorney General, and as a litigation associate for Fox Rothschild LLP. She resides in Newark with her family.
“Danielle’s impressive work in the courtroom and understanding of the issues facing our most vulnerable residents makes her an ideal fit for our Family Court,” said Governor Markell. “If confirmed by the Senate, she will continue to serve our state with distinction.”
Governor Markell is also nominating three judicial officers for re-appointment: Superior Court Judge Mary Johnston, Family Court Judge Arlene Coppadge, and Justice of the Peace Court Chief Magistrate Alan Davis.
“If these outstanding judicial officers are confirmed, I am confident they will continue to serve the State of Delaware with distinction.”
The Senate is scheduled to consider these nominations during a special session on October 28.
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