Karen Valihura is now officially the newest member of the Delaware’s Supreme Court. The 51-year-old Valihura was sworn in this morning at the New Castle County Courthouse in Wilmington.
Valihura, a Republican, comes from private corporate practice to replace Justice Jack Jacobs, who retired last month. She was a partner at Wilmington corporate law firm, where she’s practiced since 1989, dealing with corporate mergers, acquisitions and fraud claims.
Valihura says she believes coming from private practice gives her a unique perspective.
“I’m very excited about the opportunity to work hard to uphold the constitution of this honorable court for the good of the citizens of Delaware. Having come fresh from an active litigation practice, I will keep in mind what it is like to be o the other side of the counsel table with clients near at hand,” said Valihura.
Valihura is only the second woman to sit on to First State’s highest court, joining Justice Carolyn Berger, who announced she is leaving September 1st after 20 years on the bench.
Gov. Jack Markell (D-Delaware) says placing another woman on the state’s Supreme Court is noteworthy.
“Her accession to the bench and our recognition that she was the most qualified of an exception slate of candidates for this position represents continued progress for equality and justice in our state,” said Markell.
She was nominated by Markell in early June and confirmed by the state senate late last month.