Elizabeth Wolford ’89
A Colgate alumna may soon be the first woman appointed to the Western District Federal Court of New York, according to U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer, who recommended Elizabeth Wolford ‘89 for the post this week.
Wolford, a Buffalo native who now lives in Rochester, attended Notre Dame Law School following graduation from Colgate. She is currently a partner at the Wolford Law Firm LLP in Rochester, where she represents clients in both federal and state courts for business, commercial, and employment litigation.
“One of my goals was to elevate a woman to the federal bench in Western New York, and Elizabeth would not only do that, but more importantly she has all the right skills and intellect to be an insightful, modest and well-respected judge,” Schumer said in a press release. “She forged a distinguished legal career and built a very successful practice, but her sense of public service and love of the law has motivated her to bring her talents to the bench.”
Schumer noted Wolford’s close ties to Western New York, even-handedness, temperament, and demonstrated leadership as an excellent skill set for the Western District Court.
If her nomination is approved by President Obama, Wolford will replace District Court Judge Charles Siragusa, who retired in December. According to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, 17 of the 35 pending nominees for federal judgeship are women, and 344 of the 874 federal judicial seats are now held by women.