Nominated by Bill Clinton Name Katharine Hayden Spouse(s) Joseph A. Hayden, Jr | Succeeded by Esther Salas Preceded by H. Lee Sarokin Role Judge | |
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Full Name Katharine Sweeney Born May 30, 1942 (age 81)
New York, New York, U.S. ( 1942-05-30 ) Alma mater Marymount Manhattan College (B.A.)
Seton Hall University (M.A.)
Seton Hall University School of Law (J.D.) Education Seton Hall University, Seton Hall University School of Law, Marymount Manhattan College | ||
Katharine Sweeney Hayden (born May 30, 1942) is a Senior United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.
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Early life and education
Born in New York City, New York, Hayden received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marymount Manhattan College in 1963, a Master of Arts from Seton Hall University in 1971, and a Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1975. She was a law clerk for Judge Robert L. Clifford of the New Jersey Supreme Court from 1975 to 1976. After her clerkship she became an Assistant United States Attorney at the United States Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey from 1976 to 1978. She was in private matrimonial law practice in New Jersey from 1978 to 1991, and then became a judge for the New Jersey Superior Court (Family Division) from 1991 to 1997.
Federal judicial service
Hayden was nominated by President Bill Clinton on May 6, 1997, to a seat on the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey vacated by H. Lee Sarokin. She was confirmed by the United States Senate on September 25, 1997, and received her commission on September 29, 1997. Hayden assumed senior status on May 30, 2010. Hayden continues her connection to her alma mater, Seton Hall University School of Law, serving as an adjunct professor teaching course on Persuasion & Advocacy and Sentencing, and frequently employing Seton Hall Law students as judicial clerks and interns.
Personal
Hayden is married to Joseph A. Hayden, Jr., a criminal defense attorney and partner at the New Jersey law firm of Walder Hayden & Brogan. She has two sons. Her son Matt Sweeney is a musician who has played in Chavez (band) and Zwan as well as being a touring bassist for Guided by Voices and Iggy Pop and hosting Noisey's show Guitar Moves.