Phyllis J. Hamilton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Phyllis J. Hamilton
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| Senior Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California | |
| Assumed office February 1, 2021 |
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| Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California | |
| In office December 17, 2014 – February 1, 2021 |
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| Preceded by | Claudia Ann Wilken |
| Succeeded by | Richard Seeborg |
| Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California | |
| In office May 25, 2000 – February 1, 2021 |
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| Appointed by | Bill Clinton |
| Preceded by | Seat established by 104 Stat. 5089 |
| Succeeded by | Trina Thompson |
| Magistrate Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California | |
| In office April 1991 – May 25, 2000 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | June 12, 1952 Jacksonville, Illinois |
| Spouse | Stephen Q. Rowell |
| Education | Stanford University (BA) Santa Clara University (JD) |
Phyllis Jean Hamilton was born on June 12, 1952. She is a very important judge in the United States. She works as a senior federal judge for the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. This means she helps make important decisions in legal cases.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Phyllis Hamilton was born in Jacksonville, Illinois. She went to Stanford University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1974. After that, she studied law at Santa Clara University School of Law. She received her law degree, called a Juris Doctor, in 1976. She graduated with high honors, which is known as cum laude.
Starting Her Legal Career
After law school, Phyllis Hamilton began her career helping people.
- From 1976 to 1980, she worked as a public defender in California. A public defender is a lawyer who helps people who cannot afford a lawyer.
- For a short time in 1980, she managed special programs for a company called Farinon Electric Corporation.
- From 1980 to 1985, she worked as an administrative judge. She was part of the United States Merit Systems Protection Board. This board helps protect government workers' rights.
- From 1985 to 1991, she was a court commissioner. She worked for the Municipal Court in the Oakland-Piedmont-Emeryville area.
- From 1991 to 2000, she served as a United States magistrate judge. This is a judge who helps federal judges with their cases.
Becoming a Federal Judge
Phyllis Hamilton became a federal judge in 2000.
- On February 9, 2000, President Bill Clinton chose her for a new judge position.
- The United States Senate approved her on May 24, 2000.
- She officially became a judge on May 25, 2000. She joined the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.
Chief Judge and Senior Status
Phyllis Hamilton continued to serve as a judge for many years.
- On December 17, 2014, she became the Chief Judge of her court. This was a big achievement because she was the first African-American Chief Judge in that court's history.
- She served as Chief Judge until February 1, 2021.
- After that, she took on a new role called senior status. This means she still works as a judge but with a reduced caseload.
See Also
- List of African-American federal judges
- List of African-American jurists
- List of first women lawyers and judges in California
