Judge R. Guy Cole, Jr. became the Chief Judge of the Sixth Circuit on August 15. Prior to his nomination to the Sixth Circuit, Chief Judge Cole had a diverse range of experience, including both public service and private practice: a litigator at the United States Department of Justice, a law firm partner, and a bankruptcy judge. For years, Chief Judge Cole, whose chambers are in Columbus, Ohio, has also taught courses on habeas and the fourteenth amendment at the Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law.
The role of Chief Judge typically means increased administrative responsibilities in exchange for a reduced case load. Not only will Chief Judge Cole will be the second chief judge in a row from Ohio, he will be the second chief judge in a row to have previously served as a bankruptcy judge, a role which also required managing a very complex docket system requiring quick decisions on major issues. We look forward to seeing what changes Chief Judge Cole implements during his tenure.
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