Senator Young praises Sweeney nomination, urges quick action

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) today announced his support for James R. Sweeney II, President Trump’s nominee to be a judge on the Southern District of Indiana District Court. He also encouraged the Senate to move quickly to approve the nomination to help one of the most overworked districts in the county. 

“Jim is a well-respected attorney in the areas of intellectual property and national security law and has earned broad respect from his peers,” Senator Young said. “As a fellow Marine, he has led a life of honor, courage, and commitment to our country and to the rule of law. I believe he will make an excellent judge and look forward to the Senate evaluating his qualifications to serve.”

Senator Young emphasized the need to confirm Sweeney quickly in order to reduce the caseload the court faces. In the 12-month period ending June 30, the Southern District of Indiana was the second most overworked court in the nation, with 915 filings per judgeship. 

“I hope the Senate acts quickly. Indiana’s Southern District court is in a judicial emergency. Now that we have identified the best lawyer to fill the court’s vacancy, we can work toward reducing the extreme caseload the district is facing. Justice delayed is justice denied, and I’m glad the President has found the right Marine to answer the call,” Senator Young added. 

James R. Sweeney II is currently a partner at Barnes and Thornburg, where he co-chairs the Defense, Aerospace and National Security Practice Group and focuses heavily on intellectual property law. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1983. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1983-1992, achieving the rank of Captain, and in the Marine Corps Reserves until 2013, retiring as a Colonel. Jim graduated magna cum laude from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 1996 where he served as editor in chief of the Notre Dame Law Review.