Rawlinson begins her duties on appeals court

Friday, July 28, 2000 | 10:20 a.m.

U.S. District Judge Johnnie Rawlinson of Las Vegas has started her duties as the newest member of the nations' largest appeals court.

Rawlinson, 47, now serves on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals after a formal swearing-in ceremony Wednesday.

Nominated by President Clinton in February and confirmed by the Senate July 20, Rawlinson becomes the first black female judge to serve on the federal appeals court that covers nine Western states.

Federal judges are appointed for life terms.

Rawlinson said Thursday she is "ecstatic" to begin her new responsibilities.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge of going to the appellate level," she said.

Rawlinson was appointed to the U.S. District Court of Nevada in 1998 after working 18 years in the district attorney's office.

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