The
52-year-old Bacharach unanimously received a “well qualified” rating
from the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on the Federal
Judiciary, that panel’s highest ranking.
“Anyone who appeared before him would say he’s a fair and impartial judge, even though they might not agree with his decision,” said federal Magistrate Judge Doyle Argo, who serves alongside Bacharach. “He’s not only a colleague, but a friend — somebody that it’s nice to bounce legal thoughts and legal ideas off of when we have difficult issues we’re facing. We will miss him.”
Bacharach, whose nomination must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate, has the support of several members of Oklahoma’s congressional delegation.
"He is a great guy, and I like him,” said U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe. “It is a rare occasion that I agree with anything President Obama does, but I do agree with this nomination.”
His sentiments were echoed by U.S. Rep. Dan Boren, who said Bacharach “will bring a wealth of experience to the position."
Bacharach would replace Robert Henry, who stepped down in 2010 to become president and CEO of Oklahoma City University.
“I was disappointed it has taken so long [to find a successor] because I gave a full six-months notice to the administration,” said Henry.
Previously, U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn reportedly blocked the 10th Circuit nomination of Janet Levit, dean of the University of Tulsa’s law school, because of her international law background.
Although Coburn, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, declined comment, spokeswoman Becky Bernhardt said the senator “has heard good things about Robert Bacharach from Oklahomans and is impressed with his credentials.”
Henry said he is also impressed with his would-be successor.
“He is a great worker. He has a great temperament — very important for a judge,” he said.
Robert Bacharach received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma and his law degree from Washington University in St. Louis. He practiced law with the Crowe & Dunlevy law firm in OKC.
The 10th Circuit encompasses Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.
Henry added he had a bit of advice for Bacharach.
“Get prepared to spend a lot of time reading late at night,” he said.
Editor's note: Robert Bacharach is brother of Oklahoma Gazette editor-in-chief Phil Bacharach.
