The Historical Society of the United States Courts in the Eighth Circuit

On November 4, 2016, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit honored Judge Michael J. Melloy with his portrait ceremony.

Judge Melloy holds the distinction of being the first judge on the Eighth Circuit’s U.S. Court of Appeals to serve as both a U.S. bankruptcy and U.S. district judge. He served on the Northern District of Iowa’s Bankruptcy Court from 1986 to 1992 and on its District Court from 1992 until his appointment to the U.S. Court of Appeals in 2002.

Over 170 gathered in Courtroom 1 of the Cedar Rapids federal courthouse for this special en banc session of the Court, presided over by Chief Judge William Jay Riley. In attendance were federal judges, distinguished guests, colleagues, law clerks, court staff, friends, and family.

Law clerks from throughout Judge Melloy’s judicial career came to speak in his honor. Brian Fagan, Law Clerk from 2001 to 2003, bridging Judge Melloy’s years on the district court and appeals court, performed as Master of Ceremonies. Speakers included Chief Judge Thad J. Collins of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Iowa, who served as Law Clerk from 1990 to 1993 during Judge Melloy’s bankruptcy court years; Professor Emily Hughes, Associate Dean for Faculty & Academic Affairs, University of Iowa College of Law, who served as Law Clerk from 1997 to 1998, while Judge Melloy was on the district court; and Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger, U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Iowa, who served as Law Clerk from 2006 to 2008, to Circuit Judge Melloy.

Judge Melloy’s wife Jane Anne and daughters Jennifer, Katherine, and Bridget unveiled his portrait, which was painted by artist Jacqueline Jasper.

Retired U.S. Court of Appeals Judge David R. Hansen accepted the portrait on behalf of the Court. Judge Hansen, whose seat on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa was filled by Judge Melloy, swore in Judge Melloy as a district judge and presided at his investiture on the Court of Appeals.

A reception followed in the first floor jury assembly room. On display honoring Judge Melloy was a three panel exhibit, accompanied by a biographical booklet, both made by the U.S. Courts Library Eighth Circuit.