Monday, January 29, 2024
Judge Sara E. Hill Sworn In
On January 6, 2023, Sara E. Hill was sworn in by Chief District Judge John F. Heil to serve as United States District Judge for the Northern District of Oklahoma.
Prior to becoming a district judge, Judge Hill served for nearly twenty years as counsel for the Cherokee Nation. Ms. Hill was appointed by the Cherokee Nation Principal Chief and confirmed by the Tribal Council to serve in multiple roles including Secretary of Natural Resources and Attorney General. She also served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma.
Sara was recently honored with the Spirit of Excellence Award from the American Bar Association and has received numerous other awards for her advocacy in Indian country. She has litigated before numerous tribal, state and federal courts.
Sara earned her undergraduate degree at Northeastern State University in 2000 and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Tulsa College of Law in 2003.
On October 24, 2023, President Biden nominated Judge Hill to fill the U.S. District Court seat previously held by Claire Eagan, who has taken senior status. District court judges are nominated by the President and confirmed by the United States Senate, as stated in the Constitution. The Senate Judiciary Committee typically conducts confirmation hearings for each nominee. Article III of the Constitution states that these judicial officers are appointed for a life term.
A formal investiture ceremony for Judge Hill will be held at a later date.