Benchmark Judicial Briefs: Meet Nineteen Notre Dame Judges
James R. Sweeney II ’96 J.D.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana
Service, Scholarship, and the Bench
Judge James R. Sweeney II, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, was appointed to the federal bench in 2018 following unanimous Senate confirmation. Before joining the bench, he was a partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP, where he focused on intellectual property matters, as well as representing clients in criminal, military law, international traffic in arms and trade regulation, national security, cybersecurity, and privacy. At Notre Dame Law School he served as editor-in-chief of the Notre Dame Law Review. He earned a B.S. from the U.S. Naval Academy and retired as a Marine Corps colonel after distinguished combat service. Sweeney continues to serve the community on the Indiana Bar Foundation Board, as chair of the Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School Board of Trustees, and in leadership roles with veterans’ organizations.
Beth Tavitas ’85, ’90 J.D.
Indiana Court of Appeals
Champion of Access to Justice
Chief Judge-elect Beth Tavitas has served Northwest Indiana with distinction since she began her career as a deputy prosecutor in the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office. Later, she took on the role of juvenile public defender and maintained a private law practice until her appointment as referee in the Lake Superior Court, Juvenile Division. In 2006, the Lake Superior Court, Civil Division, became the next step in her career. She presided in the Civil Division for 12 years until her appointment to the Indiana Court of Appeals in 2018. Tavitas’s exemplary service is reflected in her recognition as the Most Influential Woman of Northwest Indiana in the Law, her receipt of a 2019 Fellows Award from the Indiana Bar Foundation, and her acceptance of the Indiana Lawyer’s 2021 Distinguished Barrister Award. In addition, the National Judicial College recognized her as a Courageous Judge Honoree 2023 for demonstrating courage in upholding the rule of law and providing justice for all.
William Zloch ’66,’74 J.D.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
From the Gridiron to the Federal Bench
A 1974 graduate of Notre Dame and former Fighting Irish quarterback, Judge William J. Zloch was appointed to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida in 1985. He served as chief judge from 2000 to 2007 before assuming senior status in 2017. Over four decades on the federal bench, Zloch has earned a reputation for his steady leadership and service.
Mary Beth Kelly ’87 J.D.
Michigan Third Circuit Court
Championing Fairness, Family, and Reform Beyond the Bench
Judge Mary Beth Kelly was the first woman to serve as chief judge of Michigan’s Wayne County Circuit Court, where she doubled the Court’s Family Division, tackled jail overcrowding, and led efforts to diversify jury pools. Passionate about juvenile justice, she has chaired statewide initiatives and earned accolades for her advocacy on behalf of children and vulnerable communities. Kelly also was elected to the Michigan Supreme Court and is now back in the Third Circuit Court again handling Family Division matters.
Michael Gotsch ’79, ’87 J.D.
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana
A Laborer in the Vineyard of Justice
After dedicating more than 40 years to the law, Judge Michael G. Gotsch Sr. retired from full-time employment in 2024, concluding a career that spanned military, state, and federal service. Reflecting on his career, he described himself as “a laborer in the vineyard of justice,” committed to treating every litigant with dignity and compassion. A double Domer, he has frequently returned to the Law School to serve as an adjunct professor, lecturer, and a judge for the moot courts and mock trials. Gotsch continues to assist the U.S. District Court on recall status.
Barbara Scheper ’85 J.D.
Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County
A Busy Career on California’s Largest Trial Court
Appointed to the Los Angeles County Superior Court in 2001, Judge Barbara Scheper served for over two decades on one of the nation’s busiest trial courts before her retirement. Before her appointment to the bench, she served for nearly a decade as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Central District of California and later as assistant inspector general for the Los Angeles Police Department, gaining extensive experience in federal prosecution and public-safety oversight. She is widely respected for her diligence, professionalism, and mentorship of younger lawyers and judges.
Scott Hardy ’96 J.D.
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
A Career Built on Service and Leadership
Judge W. Scott Hardy, born and raised in Pittsburgh, was nominated to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania in 2020. He built a distinguished career in labor, employment, and health law before joining the bench. Known for his professional leadership and civic involvement, he has served on bar committees, American Inns of Court boards, and local nonprofit boards, reflecting a lifelong commitment to service and community.
Sheila O’Brien ’77, ’80 J.D.
Illinois Appellate Court First District
Upholding Justice with Integrity
Retired Judge Sheila O’Brien ’77, ’80 J.D., served more than two decades on the Illinois bench, including 16 years as a Justice of the Illinois Appellate Court. She authored nearly 150 published opinions and served in judicial leadership positions. Beyond the courtroom, O’Brien champions Notre Dame alumni initiatives, has served on the Notre Dame Alumni Association Board and supports community organizations. A recipient of the Rev. Edward F. Sorin, C.S.C. Award, she exemplifies the University’s mission through her lifelong commitment to integrity, leadership, and service.
Christopher Coury ’91, ’94 J.D.
Maricopa County Superior Court, Arizona
Leading in Court and in Community
Judge Christopher Coury serves on the Maricopa County Superior Court in Arizona, the fourth largest trial court in the nation. His breadth of judicial service includes criminal, civil, family, and juvenile law rotations, and he currently adjudicates complex commercial cases. Appointed in 2010, he is recognized for his thoughtful judicial temperament and commitment to fairness, and was selected as his court’s Judge of the Year in 2019. In addition to his judicial service, he leads the Notre Dame Law Association Board as its president, strengthening connections across the Law School’s global alumni network.
Elizabeth Wolford ’92 J.D.
U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York
Breaking Barriers in the Western District of New York
Chief Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford ’92 J.D. made history as the first woman to serve as Chief United States District Judge for the Western District of New York and the first to hold a chief judgeship in any New York district outside New York City. Appointed by President Obama in 2013, she was also the first woman appointed as a district judge in the Western District. Before joining the bench, she practiced for more than 20 years at The Wolford Law Firm LLP, focusing on civil litigation, and was widely recognized for her leadership and service to the legal community.
David Guaderrama ’79 J.D.
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
A Voice at the Border
Senior Judge David C. Guaderrama serves on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, covering El Paso—a jurisdiction central to America’s border and immigration challenges. Appointed by President Obama in 2012, he draws on his experience as a chief public defender and state judge to ensure fairness and due process. Known for his calm presence and deep understanding of border communities, he mentors students and engages the public, grounding justice in law, compassion, and human dignity.
Judge Qiana Denise Lillard ’98, ’01 J.D.
Wayne County Third Circuit Court, Detroit
Judge Qiana Denise Lillard was appointed to the bench in 2013. She first served in the family-juvenile and criminal divisions and currently serves in the civil division. She recently welcomed her first clerk from Notre Dame Law School, Seth Athisa ’25 J.D.
Patricia A. Gaughan ’78 J.D.
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
Pioneering Leadership on the Northern District Bench
Judge Patricia A. Gaughan was the first woman to serve as chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, completing a six-year term in 2023. Appointed to the federal bench by President Clinton in 1995, she previously served as a state trial judge, assistant U.S. attorney, county prosecutor, civil practitioner, and trial advocacy adjunct professor of law. She continues to serve on the bench and on the Committee on Judicial Conduct and Disability of the United States Judicial Conference, shaping federal policy and mentoring colleagues. Gaughan also serves on the Board of Directors for the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking. Among her numerous awards, she has received the St. Thomas More Award, Jurisprudence Award from ORT America, and the Irish Archives Walk of Life Award.
David Larimer ’69 J.D.
U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York
A Legacy of Service in Western New York
Judge David G. Larimer has served for 40 years in the United States District Court for the Western District of New York at Rochester, New York. He was nominated by President Reagan in 1987 for the District Court judgeship. Prior to that, he was the first full-time magistrate judge there. Larimer was chief judge from 1996 to 2002 and assumed senior status in 2009 but continued to take a full complement of cases, both criminal and civil, until he assumed Inactive status in July 2024. He also served several times, by designation, on the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. After graduating, he served as a law clerk in the District Court in Washington, D.C. Then, he served as an assistant U.S. attorney for five years in Washington and in Rochester, New York. He also served as chief law assistant (counsel) to the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Fourth Department.
Janis L. Sammartino ’75 J.D.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California
Steadfast Service in the Federal Judiciary
Judge Janis L. Sammartino was appointed to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California in 2007. She has presided over complex civil and criminal matters with distinction. Her judicial career is marked by professionalism, thoughtful decision-making, and a dedication to mentoring younger attorneys. She was selected as a recipient of the 2025 Amicus Award by the International Municipal Lawyers Association.
Alfred J. Lechner Jr. ’72 J.D.
U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey
Author of More Than 250 Opinions Shaping Federal Jurisprudence
During his tenure on the federal bench, retired Judge Alfred J. Lechner Jr. published more than 250 opinions spanning securities, class action, contract, corporate, intellectual property, product liability, and employment law, and sat by designation on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. As an attorney, he has briefed and argued appellate matters before the Third Circuit as well as New Jersey’s supreme and appellate courts.
Daniel Buckley ’77, ’80 J.D.
Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County
A Respected Jurist Dedicated to Fairness, Innovation, and Education
Judge Daniel Buckley, former presiding judge of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, has over 40 years of experience as a trial attorney, jurist, and educator. Now serving as a mediator and arbitrator with Signature Resolution, he is widely recognized for his leadership in the California court system.
Roland W. Chamblee Jr. ’73, ’77 J.D.
St. Joseph County Superior Court
Serving the South Bend Community
Judge Roland W. Chamblee Jr., a double Domer, served with distinction on the St. Joseph County Superior Court for over two decades. He is a recipient of Notre Dame’s F. Jay Nimtz Award, recognizing his decades of outstanding public service and dedication to the South Bend community. He retired from the bench in 2013.
David J. Dreyer ’77, ’80 J.D.
Marion County Superior Court
Champion of Judicial Excellence and Legal Education
Judge David Dreyer served on the Marion County Superior Court (Indiana) from 1997 until 2020, bringing extensive experience as a former chief counsel in the prosecutor’s office, adjunct law professor, and pro bono advocate. His career is marked by commitment to judicial improvement, public service, and legal education.
