Kaine Statement of Support for Confirmation of Elizabeth Dillon

Madame Chair and Minority Leader Grassley,

I support the nomination of Elizabeth K. Dillon to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia.  I am happy the Judiciary Committee has taken the initial step toward confirming the first female judge for this court.

Elizabeth Dillon’s career reflects a dedication to the law that has focused on employment issues, civil rights, and local government that will serve her well as a federal district court judge.  She boasts extremely qualified credentials to serve, and her intimate familiarity with the court, its rules, and the docket will prove invaluable for any newcomer to the bench. 

Ms. Dillon displayed great promise beginning in law school, where she was selected to the Law Review at Wake Forest University School of Law.  After graduation, she joined Woods, Rogers & Hazlegrove, P.L.C. in Roanoke as an associate in the litigation practice where she later rose to senior attorney.  During this time she gained experience on Section 1983 cases, Title VII, workers’ compensation, and general defense work, including automobile and product liability defense.

She later moved to her current firm, Guynn & Dillon, P.C., where she worked on similar cases and expanded her practice to representing public entities.  In mid-career, Ms. Dillon answered the call to public service and joined the Office of the City Attorney where she represented the Police and Fire Departments and other public agencies. She has since returned to Guynn & Dillon where she remains a partner in the firm.

Throughout this time, Ms. Dillon remained committed to the profession as a contributing member to various local Bar associations and the State Bar.  She has lectured, provided presentations, and served as a panelist on professionalism, Section 1983, employment law, student privacy, and the state Freedom of Information Act.  Her active participation in the Bar reflects her desire to grow professionally, expand her knowledge of the law, and groom younger members of the Bar – qualities well-suited for a potential judge who will have to keep abreast of developments in the law.

As the Senate moves forward in the confirmation process, I am happy to support Ms. Dillon to the bench in the Western District of Virginia.