Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                    For Further Information
Contact: Kathleen L. Arberg
202-479-3211

Elizabeth Murrill, assistant professor of Professional Practice at Louisiana State University Law Center, has been selected as the 2007-2008 Supreme Court Fellow assigned to the Federal Judicial Center. 

The Supreme Court Fellows Program was created in 1973 by the late Chief Justice Warren E. Burger to provide promising individuals with a first-hand understanding of the federal government, in particular, the judicial branch.  In the words of Chief Justice Roberts, the program offers “a unique opportunity for exceptional individuals to contribute to the administration of justice at the national level.”

Each year fellows work with top officials in the judicial branch of government. With assignments at the Supreme Court, the Federal Judicial Center, the Administrative Office of the U. S. Courts, and the U. S. Sentencing Commission, fellows have been involved in various projects examining the federal judicial process and seeking, proposing, and implementing solutions to problems in the administration of justice.

As the fellow at the Federal Judicial Center, Murrill will provide assistance with the Center’s inter-judicial affairs programs.  Her fellowship begins in the fall.

From 1991-1993, Murrill served as a law clerk to Judge Frank J. Polozola on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana.  Subsequently, she joined the chambers of Judge Melvin A. Shortess on the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal as a research attorney.  In recent years, she has served as an arbitrator and volunteered with the Baton Rouge Bar Association Disaster Recovery Legal Services Project.  In addition, she has published articles on legal writing, arbitration, mediation, and civil procedure. 

Murrill earned a B.A. in journalism from Louisiana State University in 1985 and a J.D. from Louisiana State University School of Law in 1991.

The Supreme Court Fellows are selected by a commission comprised of 9 members selected by the Chief Justice of the United States.

"The fellowship year offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe the Supreme Court and the judicial system as a whole."

Matthew Duchesne
Environmental compliance advisor, Department of Energy