Wes Hickman (202) 224-5972 or Kevin Bishop (864) 250-1417

WASHINGTON – South Carolina Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint today announced President Bush has nominated Steve A. Matthews to serve on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. 

Matthews will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge William ‘Billy’ Wilkins of Greenville.  The Fourth Circuit covers the states of South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland .       

“Steve Matthews is an outstanding choice,” said Graham. “He has a keen legal mind and is a man of integrity.  I fully support him and hope the Senate will give him a quick and fair hearing.”

"I'm proud to support Steve Matthews and I hope he will be confirmed quickly," said Senator Jim DeMint. "Steve has the experience, intellect and integrity necessary to serve on one of our nation's highest courts. He will be a strong addition to the Fourth Circuit."

Matthews is the Managing Director of Haynesworth, Sinkler, and Boyd in Columbia where his law practice concentration is in the area of information technology.  At the practice he provides a range of services to start-ups and major corporations – from licensing issues and contract negotiations, to litigation regarding product performance and intellectual property infringement. 

Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Matthews practiced with the Washington office of Dewey Ballantine and served in the U.S. Department of Justice during President Reagan's second term. At Justice, he advised Attorney General Edwin Meese III and President Reagan on the selection of nominees for federal judgeships, and served as special counsel to Attorney General Meese on the Iran-Contra investigation.

 

Mr. Matthews has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Carolina and a law degree from Yale Law School .

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