Michelle Ward Ghetti, a law professor from Southern University Law School, has been selected as the 2012-2013 Supreme Court Fellow assigned to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.  

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 John G. Roberts, Jr., 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 Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, Ghetti’s duties will include the analysis and implementation of studies requested by Congress or the Judicial Conference, researching the federal rulemaking process, and drafting publications on administrative issues of interest to judges. Her fellowship begins in the fall in the Office of Judges’ Programs.

            In addition to teaching, Ghetti practices law, focusing in the areas of religious issues, criminal law, professional ethics, and domestic violence. After an early career in elementary education, Ghetti practiced law in Dallas, TX, and Baton Rouge, LA, specializing in estate planning, bankruptcy, and commercial litigation. She is an annual presenter at the Louisiana Judicial College on criminal law and evidence issues and recently was the keynote speaker at the Alabama Coalition on Domestic Violence. Ghetti has written and edited numerous articles and books including the Louisiana Capital Crimes Benchbook. She is a member of the American Bar Association and has been admitted to the Louisiana and Texas bars. She is also a member of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Louisiana Advisory Committee, the Louisiana Law Institute Committee on Evidence and Criminal Law and Procedure, and the LSU Law School Hall of Fame. 

Ghetti earned a B.S. in elementary education with a concentration in special education and a J.D. from Louisiana State University Law Center, in Baton Rouge, LA, respectively, in 1978 and 1983.

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