Rader Steps Down As Federal Circuit Chief

As reported by the Wall Street Journal (partially paywall–protected), in prepared remarks for a legal program held by the Federal Circuit Bar Association and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Chief Judge Randall R. Rader of the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals announced his resignation as chief, although not as circuit judge, effective May 30, 2014, precisely four years after becoming chief judge of the specialized circuit court with jurisdiction over appeals in patent litigation.

Judge Rader had been in the news early this month after recusing himself from two matters(paywall-protected) in which the court had already issued opinions, including opinions separately authored by Judge Rader. One common thread in both cases is that one of the parties was represented by a lawyer whom Judge Rader had endorsed. Judge Rader did not address the recusal issue in the remarks in which he announced that he will be stepping down as chief judge.

Judge Sharon Prost will replace Judge Rader as chief judge of the Federal Circuit. All indications are that, although eligible to take senior status, Judge Rader will remain on the active roster of Federal Circuit judges.

We will watch with interest as Judge Prost takes the reins of the Federal Circuit at the end of the month.

Posted by David Swetnam-Burland