Breaking Barriers in the Judiciary: The Rise of Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick

A smiling woman with brown hair and blue eyes sits in a white office chair, wearing a dark navy suit. Behind her is a wood-paneled wall with the blue and gold seal of the Court of Chancery, State of Delaware. — *Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick ’04 J.D.*

In the hallowed halls of the Delaware Court of Chancery, where the nation’s most pivotal corporate disputes are adjudicated, the name Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick ’04 J.D. is synonymous with intellect, integrity, and innovation.

Her ascent to becoming the first woman to serve as Chancellor of this venerable institution is not merely a personal triumph, but a beacon of progress in the judiciary. Chancellor McCormick’s career is a testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring impact of a legal vocation embraced as a calling to serve others through justice, honor, and faithful stewardship of the law.

Rooted in Service

McCormick’s journey began in the small town of Smyrna, Delaware, where she was raised by a high school football coach and an English teacher. Her early years were shaped by a passion for justice, inspired by stories like To Kill a Mockingbird. The book reflects her sense of empathy and fairness, values that would go on to define both her education and her career.

After graduating from Smyrna High School, McCormick earned a degree in philosophy from Harvard University, where she served as executive director of the Small Claims Advisory Service, a nonprofit organization that empowers socioeconomically disadvantaged residents of Massachusetts to navigate the small claims court system. She then attended Notre Dame Law School, which she credits with shaping her values and approach to the law.

“Notre Dame teaches its students to view their legal career as a vocation, a calling,” she said. “I went to Notre Dame because it emphasizes the fact that the practice of law is more than the pursuit of a paycheck.”

A smiling woman with brown hair, wearing a dark blue blazer, sits at a wooden table with an open book. Her hands rest on the table. Behind her are bookshelves filled with red, blue, and gold-spined books in a library setting.

At Notre Dame Law School, McCormick immersed herself not only in rigorous coursework but also in meaningful community service through her involvement in several clinics. In addition to serving as a student law clerk in the Immigration Clinic, she was involved in the Asylum Clinic, where she successfully obtained asylum for a mixed-race child victim of the Rwandan genocide. She also gained invaluable experience and contributed to the community as a public defender extern at the St. Joseph County Juvenile Justice Center.

“I enjoyed the clinics, which taught me how to be a practical attorney,” she said. The experiences deepened her understanding of how the law touches people’s lives. She added, “There are many professors who made a lasting impact on me, including G. Robert Blakey ’57, ’60 J.D., for whom I was a research assistant; my 1L writing instructor, Teresa Godwin Phelps ’73, ’75 M.A., ’80 Ph.D., who taught me how to communicate clearly; and Paolo Carozza, who modeled how to be a person of faith and integrity in the practice of law.”

Those formative years helped McCormick embrace what she describes as Notre Dame Law School’s mission to educate a “different kind of lawyer”—one guided by an open mind, a love for learning, and a sense of responsibility.

“The key is to put yourself out there and have confidence that you have the skills needed to do the job.” - Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick

From Public Interest to Corporate Governance

A woman with long brown hair and a pleasant smile, wearing a dark blue suit and blouse, stands in a bright, modern university hallway. She holds a blue folder, one hand in her pocket, with windows and benches in the background.

McCormick’s professional journey began in the frontlines of public interest law as a staff attorney with the Delaware Community Legal Aid Society. There, she advocated for victims of domestic violence in housing, family, and immigration matters and in policy work. She also handled housing discrimination outreach and case work, demonstrating her commitment to equity and fairness. “To help people,” she succinctly stated, was the driving force behind her decision to pursue a career in law.

Her transition to corporate law came when she joined Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor LLP in 2007, one of Delaware’s leading firms for corporate and commercial law. There, she developed deep expertise in corporate governance and the litigation of complex business disputes before the Delaware Court of Chancery. Her keen analytical mind and incisive judgment earned her recognition early on, leading to her promotion to partner by 2015.

During her tenure, McCormick deftly handled a wide range of challenging cases, particularly during the 2008 financial crisis. She was part of a team of attorneys representing the Huntsman Corporation in a major merger dispute after a private equity firm backed out of a multibillion-dollar deal—a case that tested her ability to navigate high-stakes negotiations with precision and poise. Her years in private practice cemented her reputation as a trusted and skillful corporate litigator, respected for her clarity, diligence, and strategic acumen, and set the stage for her eventual move to the nationally influential Chancery Court.

A blonde woman in a navy blazer, wearing a Golden Dome pin, speaks animatedly, gesturing with both hands. She stands in a wood-paneled lecture hall. — *Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick delivers the inaugural Patricia O’Hara Distinguished Lecture in Law and Business at Notre Dame Law School in 2022.*

In 2018, she was nominated by then-Governor John Carney to serve as vice chancellor on the Delaware Court of Chancery— a move that marked a pivotal moment in her career.

“Joining the bench was a critical moment in my career. A lot of people who are first-generation lawyers suffer from imposter syndrome, and I certainly have that affliction,” she said. “The key is to put yourself out there and have confidence that you have the skills needed to do the job.”

Her rise to chancellor in 2021—as the first woman to lead the court—was historic, breaking gender barriers in an institution that had been predominantly male for much of its over 230-year history.

The Twitter Case and the Power of Principled Leadership

McCormick’s tenure has been defined by calm, decisive leadership—qualities that became especially evident in high-profile cases like the litigation surrounding Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter. The case, which captivated global media attention, underscored her adeptness at managing complex legal maneuvering while maintaining impartiality and efficiency.

A tiered lecture hall with wood panels and light walls at the University of Notre Dame is full of students. A woman in a dark blazer speaks from a wooden podium, with US, Vatican, and Indiana flags, and a floral arrangement visible behind her.

When Musk attempted to withdraw from his $44 billion agreement to purchase Twitter, the case landed squarely in the Delaware Court of Chancery—and McCormick assigned the case to herself. It became one of the most closely watched business disputes in recent history, with implications not only for the two global entities involved, but for corporate law itself.

McCormick’s management of the case drew widespread praise. Despite relentless media attention, she kept the proceedings efficient and focused, ensuring that the courtroom remained a space of reason rather than spectacle. Her calm demeanor, quick wit, and deep command of Delaware corporate law stood out.

The Wall Street Journal called McCormick “the most honorable character in Twitter v. Elon Musk.” The Associated Press deemed her “the judge who tamed the Musk-Twitter trial.” The New York Times wrote, “Elon Musk seems to answer to no one. Except for a judge in Delaware.”

For McCormick, though, the lesson was simple: focus on the work.

“Being a member of this court means being subject to constant media attention. I don’t think anyone fully appreciates the level of attention we receive,” McCormick observed. “It’s difficult to manage, but I do so by sitting at my desk, doing my best, and hoping that’s enough.”

That quiet philosophy has become a guiding principle of her tenure—a model of judicial temperament defined by humility, fairness, and focus.

Mentorship, Empowerment, and Career Wisdom

McCormick’s influence extends beyond the courtroom. As a mentor and role model, she is passionate about encouraging the next generation of women in law.

“To paraphrase the late Justice Ginsburg, women should be everywhere where decisions are made,” said McCormick. “For women, contributing your own voice is the only way to guarantee that women are part of the discussion.”

When asked what makes a great judge, she said, “Great judges allow the facts of the law to direct the outcome of the case. A judge needs to approach every decision with an open mind and a commitment to learning.”

She also underscored the importance of preparation and responsibility, and a willingness to grapple with the difficult questions.

Leading with Integrity and Vision

A woman with medium-length brown hair smiles, seated in a light armchair with crossed legs, wearing a dark blue pantsuit. Behind her, a city skyline and blue sky are visible through a large window.

Chancellor McCormick exemplifies the ideals of a Notre Dame Lawyer. As she leads the Court of Chancery, she breaks barriers, inspires meaningful change, and upholds the highest standards of judicial excellence. Her career is a beacon for those who believe in the law’s power to achieve justice and advance equity, showing that the judiciary is not merely a forum for adjudication, but a platform for principled leadership.

Amid the distractions of high-profile cases and public scrutiny, McCormick remains unwavering in her commitment to deliberate, thoughtful decision-making. Her skill in guiding the Court of Chancery through complex corporate matters with clarity and insight underscores her extraordinary judgment and intellect.

Her career stands as a compelling example that with dedication, courage, and an unwavering commitment to one’s calling, one can uphold the highest principles of the judiciary while shaping the future of the profession.

“A judge needs to approach every decision with an open mind and a commitment to learning.”

- Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick

- Written by Arienne L. Calingo