Media Coverage
Source: Daily Journal
Media Coverage
10.11.12
William Atkins, a partner in Pillsbury’s intellectual property practice in Northern Virginia, is quoted in an article discussing a ruling that could up federal judges’ pay by $25,000 per year. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled 10-2 that Congress was wrong to deny annual cost-of-living adjustments for federal judicial salaries.
Often critical of what he sees as excessive judicial spending, Senator Charles Grassley, an Iowa Republican, was against the ruling. Contradictory to Grassley, Atkins, who was involved in the case, said that behind closed doors judges are justified in celebrating.
“Heck, there should be happy dances going on in chambers,” Atkins said. Atkins, who has followed the litigation closely and is supportive of more pay for judges, was in favor of the ruling.
Atkins predicted that the Department of Justice, which defended the case, will petition the U.S. Supreme Court for review.