September 22, 2009

Senate Approves Markell Nominees for Judicial Posts and Board Positions

Confirmations include Court of Chancery Vice Chancellor J. Travis Laster

DOVER – The state Senate on Tuesday confirmed Gov. Jack Markell’s choices to serve on the Court of Chancery, fill several other key judicial positions and fill open slots on several boards.
 
“I want to thank the Senate for its consideration and approval of all of my nominees,” Markell said. “The talented people confirmed today are dedicated public servants who want to make Delaware a better place.”
 
Wilmington attorney Travis Laster will become the newest Vice Chancellor on the prestigious Court of Chancery, replacing retired Vice Chancellor Stephen Lamb. Laster, a graduate of Princeton University and the University of Virginia Law School, will be leaving his firm of Abrams & Laster, which he helped create in 2005.  Before founding Abrams & Laster, Laster practiced with Richards, Layton & Finger.  Laster will fill the Vice Chancellor seat vacated by the Honorable Stephen P. Lamb upon his retirement.
 
“Travis will be an outstanding addition to the Court of Chancery, which is known for is professionalism, hard work and leadership in corporate law matters,” Markell said.
 
In filling other judicial posts, the Senate confirmed Alan Davis of Milton for another term as Chief Magistrate of the Justice of the Peace Courts, confirmed Janell Schoenbeck Ostroski of Newark to be a Family Court Commissioner. Judge Davis is a graduate of Laurel High School, the University of Virginia and Widener University. Davis was first nominated as Chief Magistrate in 2005.  During his first term on the Court, Chief Magistrate Davis focused on strengthening court security and seeking additional methods of providing expeditious service to the Court’s many customers through technology and innovative projects. Ostroski graduated from St. Mark’s High School, the University of Delaware, and Widener University Law School. She lives with her family in Newark.  Known to many as a dedicated and hard worker, Ostroski has represented the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) program, indigent parents, and mentally ill patients in court proceedings.  
 
The Senate also signed off on Markell’s nomination of Christopher Bradley to serve another term as a magistrate on the Justice of the Peace Court and the Governor’s selections to serve on the Delaware Harness Racing Commission (Patricia Wagner of Kent County, Lawrence Talley of Kent Cunty and George Staats of New Castle County), the Industrial Accident Board (Dr. Theresa del Tufo of Kent County) and the Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board (Beverly Bell of New Castle County).

“I’ve had the opportunity to personally meet with the governor’s nominees,” said Senate President Pro Tem Anthony DeLuca, D-Newark East. “They impressed me as being a very well-qualified group.”