Senators Durbin and Duckworth Forward Maliza to White House for U.S. District Judge Consideration

Benesch is pleased to announce that Johanes Maliza has been recommended as a finalist by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) to fill a forthcoming federal district court judicial vacancy in the Central District of Illinois.

This past May, the Senators established a screening committee comprised of distinguished members in the Central District’s legal community to evaluate applicants for the position, reviewing their professional records and qualifications, contacting references, and conducting countless interviews. Following the committee’s extensive and holistic review, Maliza emerged as a finalist among two other individuals and was thereby presented to Senators Durbin and Duckworth for independent review. Based on the committee’s recommendations and upon consulting with each other, the Senators proceeded to forward Maliza and the other two finalists to President Biden for consideration. Once the President submits a nomination to the U.S. Senate, the confirmation process will begin.

“The firm is proud of Johanes for this notable achievement. Being recommended to the White House as a finalist to be a Federal District Court Judge is an honor in and of itself and a testament to his hard work. If nominated, I know he will make an exceptional judge,” said Gregg Eisenberg, Benesch Managing Partner.

Maliza is Of Counsel in Benesch’s Litigation Practice group.  He works in the Cleveland and Chicago offices and focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation across a wide variety of industries, as well as white collar defense and corporate investigations.

He also has extensive federal courtroom experience, is an adjunct professor at UIC School of Law, and teaches CLEs on federal criminal practice and professionalism. Governor Pritzker recently appointed him to be a Commissioner on the Illinois Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission.  Prior to joining Benesch, Maliza served as an Assistant Federal Public Defender in Springfield, where he handled a broad range of criminal cases and appeals. He received his B.A. from Stanford University in 2003 and his J.D. from Harvard Law School in 2010.

“I’m humbled by the Committee’s consideration, and the Senators’ recommendation.” said Maliza. “I love trial work, appeals, and everything in between, and would miss it.  But the prospect of serving my country in this capacity would be an honor.”

Additionally, Maliza is actively involved in the Illinois and Ohio communities where he practices.  He is a volunteer youth soccer coach, and maintains a pro bono practice that includes immigration, housing and appellate representations. For his work representing unaccompanied children and refugees facing religious or other persecution, in 2015 the American Immigration Lawyers Association recognized Maliza and colleagues for outstanding efforts in providing pro bono representation in the immigration field.