Patricia E. Campbell-Smith facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Patricia Campbell-Smith
Campbell-Smith in 2022
Chief Judge of the United States Court of Federal Claims
In office October 21, 2013 – March 13, 2017
Appointed by	Barack Obama
Preceded by	Emily C. Hewitt
Succeeded by	Susan G. Braden
Judge of the United States Court of Federal Claims
In office September 19, 2013 – September 30, 2023
Appointed by	Barack Obama
Preceded by	Lawrence Baskir
Succeeded by	Robin M. Meriweather
Personal details
Born	Patricia Elaine Campbell 1966 (age 58–59) Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Education	Duke University (BSEE) Tulane University (JD)

Patricia Elaine Campbell-Smith (born in 1966) is a very important person who used to be a judge in the United States. She worked at a special court called the United States Court of Federal Claims. This court handles cases where people or businesses believe the U.S. government owes them money. She even served as the main judge, called the Chief Judge, for a few years.

About Patricia Campbell-Smith

Patricia Campbell-Smith was born in 1966 in Baltimore, a city in Maryland, U.S. She was a very good student.

Her Education Journey

She went to Duke University and earned a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1987. This means she studied how electricity works and how to design electrical systems. Later, she decided to study law. She went to Tulane Law School and earned her law degree in 1992.

Starting Her Legal Career

After law school, Patricia Campbell-Smith worked as a "law clerk" for two different judges. A law clerk helps a judge by researching laws and writing legal papers. She worked for Judge Martin Leach-Cross Feldman and Judge Sarah S. Vance. Both judges worked in a court in New Orleans. After that, she worked at a law firm called Liskow & Lewis.

Working at the Court of Federal Claims

From 1998 to 2005, she was a law clerk for Judge Emily C. Hewitt at the United States Court of Federal Claims. This experience helped her learn a lot about how this special court works.

Becoming a Special Master

In 2005, Patricia Campbell-Smith became a "special master" at the court. A special master helps judges by looking into specific parts of a case and giving recommendations. She became the Chief Special Master in 2011. She held this important role until she became a judge herself in 2013.

Her Time as a Judge

On March 19, 2013, President Barack Obama chose Patricia Campbell-Smith to become a judge on the United States Court of Federal Claims. The United States Senate had to approve her nomination.

The Approval Process

The Senate Judiciary Committee, a group of senators, held a meeting to discuss her nomination. They approved her, and then the full Senate voted to confirm her. She officially became a judge on September 19, 2013.

Serving as Chief Judge

Just a month later, on October 21, 2013, President Obama chose her to be the Chief Judge of the court. This meant she was in charge of the court's operations and other judges. She served as Chief Judge until March 13, 2017. Judge Susan G. Braden took over as Chief Judge after her. Patricia Campbell-Smith continued to serve as a judge until she retired on September 30, 2023.

Important Cases She Handled

As a judge, Patricia Campbell-Smith made decisions on several important cases.

Government Shutdown Case

In 2013, the U.S. federal government had a "shutdown." This means many government offices closed, and some employees couldn't work. Judge Campbell-Smith ruled that the government had broken labor laws during this shutdown. She said that the government might have to pay money to the employees who were affected. This ruling showed how important it is for the government to follow rules, even during difficult times.

Cloud Computing Contract Case

In 2020, she handled a big case about a huge computer contract for the United States Department of Defense. This contract, called JEDI, was for "cloud computing" services. Cloud computing is like storing and using computer programs and data over the internet instead of on your own computer. The contract was given to Microsoft, but another company, Amazon Web Services, said there were problems with how the contract was chosen. Judge Campbell-Smith temporarily stopped work on the project so that the court could look into the matter more closely. This showed her role in making sure big government contracts are fair.