Case 2:24-mc-10001-CB Document 58 Filed 03/19/26 Page 1 of 2
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA
IN RE: SELECTION AND )
APPOINTMENT OF UNITED STATES )
MAGISTRATE JUDGE FOR THE ) ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER 2026-08
UNITED STATES DISTRICT )
COURT FOR THE WESTERN ) Misc. Case No. 2:24-mc-10001
DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA AT )
PITTSBURGH )
ORDER APPOINTING MERIT SELECTION PANEL
AND NOW, this 19th day of March 2026, in accordance with the provisions of the
Federal Magistrates Act, 28 U.S.C. § 631(b)(5); the regulations of the Judicial Conference of
the United States Establishing Standards and Procedures for the Appointment of United States
Magistrate Judges; and by action of the Judges of this Court, effective as of this date, the
following persons are appointed to serve as a Merit Selection Panel (the “Panel”) to review
materials submitted to the court by individuals interested in serving as a United States Magistrate
Judge in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:
Rebecca Ross Haywood, Esq. (Chair)
Michael Comber, Esq.
Rohit Dharwadkar, Esq.
Daniel McLane, Esq.
David Oberdick, Esq.
Gerri Paulisick, Esq.
Terrina LaValle, Esq.
Michael Braxton (Non-Lawyer)
Erin Starzynski (Non-Lawyer)
Case 2:24-mc-10001-CB Document 58 Filed 03/19/26 Page 2 of 2
Each member of the Panel received written notice of the restriction in the Guide to
Judiciary Policy, Vol. 3, Ch. 4, § 420.30.20(d).
The Panel shall conduct interviews of qualified candidates and recommend to the Court
those applicants it deems most qualified to serve as a United States Magistrate Judge. On or before
the date falling ninety (90) days from the date of this Order, unless otherwise ordered, the Panel
shall submit a written report to the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Western
District of Pennsylvania identifying the five (5) applicants deemed most qualified and setting forth
all other required information.
DONE AND ORDERED in Chambers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Cathy Bissoon
Chief United States District Judge
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