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Washington • The Senate Judiciary Committee moved closer Wednesday to advancing the nomination of Utah Supreme Court Justice Jill Parrish to serve as a federal judge.
Parrish, who, if confirmed, would take over a seat vacated by Judge Dee Benson in the federal district for Utah, appeared before the Senate committee and earned plaudits for her work in the private and public sector as a lawyer and as a state appellate judge.
"I'm certain she will be a great asset to the federal bench," said Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, noting that he will push for a "swift and unanimous" confirmation for Parrish.
President Barack Obama appointed Parrish to the federal bench last year, but the Senate failed to act on that nomination. Obama re-appointed her earlier this month.
Parrish told the committee that her judicial philosophy was to treat all parties fairly, always be prepared, keep an open mind and apply the rule of law and precedent to all cases.
"There is no room for a judge to come to the bench with a personal agenda," Parrish said.
Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, noted that Parrish serves with his brother, Tom Lee, on the Utah Supreme Court and that almost alone was enough to earn his support for her nomination.
"Anyone who can work with my brother and get along with him is ready for the federal judiciary," Lee said.
Parrish, who was appointed to the state's top court in 2003 by then-Gov. Mike Leavitt, would be the second female judge on the federal court in Utah, joining Judge Tena Campbell. Benson has served since 1991 but has taken senior status with the court, allowing him to take fewer cases.
The American Bar Association offered Parrish a well-qualified rating, which is the highest rating the group hands out to judicial nominees.
The Judiciary Committee is likely to vote in February on Parrish's nomination.