Susan Hickey
Susan Hickey is the chief judge on the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas. She joined the court in 2011, after a nomination from Barack Obama (D). Hickey became chief judge of the court in 2019.[1]
Prior to her nomination, Hickey served on the Arkansas 13th Judicial Circuit.[2][1]
On November 19, 2025, Hickey announced that she would assume senior status upon the commission of her successor.[3]
Early life and education
Judge Hickey earned her J.D. in 1980 from the University of Arkansas School of Law and her B.A. in 1977 from the University of Arkansas.[4][1]
Professional career
Prior to taking the bench in 2010 with the Arkansas 13th Judicial Circuit, Judge Hickey was a career judicial law clerk to the Honorable Harry Barnes of the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas. Prior to that, she was a staff attorney at Murphy Oil Corporation from 1981 to 1984.[4]
Judicial career
Western District of Arkansas
 |
| Nominee Information |
| Name: Susan Hickey |
| Court: Western District of Arkansas |
| Progress |
| Confirmed 190 days after nomination. |
 Nominated: 4/6/2011
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 ABA Rating:
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| Questionnaire: Questionnaire |
| Hearing: 6/8/2011
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| QFRs: (Hover over QFRs to read more) |
| Reported:
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| Confirmed: 10/13/2011
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On April 6, 2011, President Barack Obama nominated Judge Hickey to the Western District of Arkansas to fill the seat vacated by Harry Barnes. Obama commented on the nomination, stating, "Throughout their careers these individuals have shown a dedication to justice. I am proud to nominate them to serve the American people from the district court bench."[4]
Hickey had her hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on June 8, 2011. You can find her Committee Questionnaire available here and her Questions for the Record available here. On July 14, 2011 her nomination was reported to the full Senate.[5]
Hickey was confirmed on October 13, 2011 by a Senate vote of 83-8.[6]
Hickey became chief judge of the court in 2019.[1]
See also
External links
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Officeholder United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas |
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Biography from Federal Judicial Center
- ↑ Arkansas News, "Beebe names judge; makes 17 other appointments," September 16, 2010
- ↑ United States Courts, "Future Judicial Vacancies," accessed November 19, 2025
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 White House Press Release "President Obama Nominates Two to the United States District Court," April 6, 2011
- ↑ 112th Senate Nomination Materials
- ↑ 112th Senate Confirmations
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by - |
United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas 2011-Present |
Succeeded by - |
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| Nominated | |||
Federal courts:
Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: Eastern District of Arkansas, Western District of Arkansas • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: Eastern District of Arkansas, Western District of Arkansas
State courts:
Arkansas Supreme Court • Arkansas Court of Appeals • Arkansas Circuit Courts • Arkansas District Courts
State resources:
Courts in Arkansas • Arkansas judicial elections • Judicial selection in Arkansas
