Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Pennsylvania U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Bob Casey (D-PA) proudly celebrated the Senate’s confirmation of Keli Neary to serve as a judge on the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Neary, who will serve in Harrisburg, is the thirteenth Pennsylvanian to be nominated to the bench by President Biden and confirmed by the Senate, eleven of whom are women.
“Keli Neary’s confirmation is a win for Pennsylvania and for the cause of equal justice under the law,” said Senator Fetterman. “Her career speaks volumes about her character, work ethic, and dedication to the people of this Commonwealth. From defending the rights of all Pennsylvanians while working in the Attorney General’s Office to advancing public safety during her years of service with the State Police, she has shown she’s ready to step up and serve with integrity on the federal bench. I have no doubt she’ll make us proud.”
“From the Pennsylvania State Police to the Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General, Judge Neary has served our Commonwealth with distinction,” said Senator Casey. “Her commitment to protecting the rule of law and keeping Pennsylvania communities safe makes her well-qualified to take on this new role. I was pleased to vote to confirm Judge Neary and I look forward to seeing her continue to serve the people of the Middle District.”
A native of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Neary has dedicated her career to serving the people of the Commonwealth. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown in 2003 and her law degree from Widener Commonwealth School of Law in 2006. To fund her education, Neary worked part-time as a dietary aide and kitchen supervisor at the Laurel View Village Assisted Living Facility.
For more than a decade, Neary held key leadership roles in the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, most recently as Chief of the Civil Law Division, where she defended the constitutionality of Pennsylvania laws and represented state agencies and officials in federal and state courts. Her bipartisan service under multiple administrations underscores her steadfast dedication to justice and the people of Pennsylvania.
Neary’s confirmation marks another step toward ensuring a federal judiciary that reflects the diversity, resilience, and values of the American people. Her extensive experience and deep understanding of the law will serve the Middle District of Pennsylvania with distinction.
