P.K. Holmes recommended for Western District Federal Judge

Fort Smith attorney P.K. Holmes, who has argued cases before the federal judge for the Western District of Arkansas as the district’s lead attorney, has been recommended to be that federal judge.

The offices of U.S. Sens. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., and Mark Pryor, D-Ark., announced Wednesday (Dec. 16) they have recommended Holmes as their choice for U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Arkansas. The position has opened with Judge Robert T. Dawson assuming senior status.

“P.K. Holmes stands out as an ideal candidate to serve as U.S. District Judge for the Western District,” Pryor said in the statement. “His breadth of experience in civil and criminal litigation matters and long-standing commitment to a just legal system will serve our state well.”

The two senators sent their recommendation letter Dec. 11 to President Barack Obama.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to be selected by Senators Lincoln and Pryor for this, and I look forward to being nominated by President Obama,” Holmes told The City Wire. Holmes said he has been through a confirmation process before (for U.S. Attorney; took about 4 months) and is not overly concerned about another cycle. If confirmed, Holmes said it is not unreasonable to believe he could be on the bench by the second half of 2010.

Holmes now works as a partner at Warner, Smith & Harris in Fort Smith, and was the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas from 1993-2001. According to the Warner, Smith & Harris Web site, Holmes’ primary legal work is in commercial litigation and white collar crime. He has handled civil appeals before the Arkansas Court of Appeals, Arkansas Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit.

“Holmes has extensive experience in representing corporations and individuals in a wide variety of white-collar criminal cases including immigration, environmental, and fraud violations,” noted the firm’s Web site. “He has handled corporate internal investigations involving the fiduciary duty of officers and directors, schemes to defraud, and wrongful conduct by corporate employees. He has represented corporations and individuals in federal grand jury investigations, and has defended corporations and individuals indicted on federal criminal violations.”

Holmes earned a bachelor’s degree in 1973 from Westminster College, and earned a law degree from the University of Arkansas in 1978.

Below is a copy of the letter Sens. Lincoln and Pryor sent to the President.