Earlier this year, President Obama announced the nomination of Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Lisabeth T. Hughes for the Sixth Circuit vacancy created by Judge Martin’s retirement.  Justice Hughes served as a judge in various Kentucky courts for nearly a decade before her appointment to the Supreme Court of Kentucky in 2007.  If confirmed, she will join several former state court judges on the Sixth Circuit, including Judge Cook (Ohio), Judge Griffin (Michigan), Judge Donald (Tennessee), and Judge White (Michigan). Two years ago Justice Hughes was being considered for the Court. While all eyes are currently on the appointment of Judge Garland to the Supreme Court, it is questionable whether any circuit-level appointments will clear the Senate at this time.  If she were confirmed, Justice Hughes would join seven other active female judges on the Sixth Circuit, meaning that half of the active judges would be female. We’ll continue to monitor any progress on the confirmation of Justice Hughes.