Hartford attorney confirmed to federal bench

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The U.S. Senate has voted to confirm Hartford attorney Michael Shea as a U.S. district judge for Connecticut.

Connecticut's U.S. senators, Joe Lieberman and Richard Blumenthal, announced the 72-23 vote Wednesday evening.

He will fill one of two vacancies on the eight-judge Connecticut district, which like some others around the country has sought out-of-state help and enlisted senior judges to deal with a backlog of cases.

President Barack Obama nominated Shea in February.

Shea is a 1993 graduate of Yale Law School. He is a partner at Day Pitney LLP and chairman of its appellate practice group.

The senators said Shea not only has experience with a wide range of legal issues, but has worked to improve the administration of justice, done extensive pro bono work, and work with Connecticut non-profits.