Senator Warner and Judge Urbanski

Senators Webb and Warner applauded the Senate’s unanimous vote today to confirm Judge Michael Urbanski of Roanoke to serve as a U.S. District Judge for the U.S. District Court of the Western District of Virginia. The two Senators recommended Urbanski’s appointment to the White House in June 2010.

Judge Urbanski is a Magistrate Judge for the Western District of Virginia, which covers Roanoke, Danville, and Lynchburg. During his tenure, he has earned an excellent reputation for being a fair mediator and for his efficient administration of justice. Prior to serving as a Magistrate Judge, he was the head of the litigation group at the Roanoke-based law firm of Woods Rogers where he practiced from 1989 to 2004. Immediately out of law school, Judge Urbanski clerked for Judge Turk in the Western District of Virginia.

“Senator Warner and I jointly recommended Judge Michael Urbanski based on his exceptional qualifications and extensive experience in the Western District,” said Senator Webb. “Judge Urbanski received widespread support from attorneys throughout Virginia and the highest number of ‘highly qualified’ votes from the Virginia State Bar’s nominating committee. We met with a number of well qualified candidates for this position, but Judge Urbanski’s temperament and track record of effectively resolving cases made him the clear choice to recommend to President Obama.”

“Senator Webb and I were impressed with Judge Urbanski’s reputation as an effective, even-handed and well-prepared mediator,” said Senator Warner. “His credentials are impeccable and he has earned the highest endorsements from leading state and local bar associations. He will make an excellent judge on the U.S. District Court for Western Virginia, and I congratulate him on his successful confirmation today.

Senators Webb and Warner worked together to conduct an open, extensive search to identify highly qualified Virginians for the vacancy. The senators solicited recommendations from the leading Virginia bar associations and conducted personal interviews with several potential candidates.

Judge Urbanski is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law (J.D.), 1981 and College of William and Mary (B.A.), 1978.