ABA Rates Trump Nominee 'Unqualified' for Federal Judge Position in Montana
The American Bar Association (ABA) has rated Kathleen 'Katie' Lane, President Trump's nominee for a lifetime position on the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana, as 'unqualified.' This rating marks the first such designation during Trump's second term. The ABA's evaluation highlights Lane's lack of trial experience, noting that she has never served as lead counsel in a trial, has only briefly cross-examined a witness, and has taken just one deposition. Despite being regarded as talented and well-liked, Lane's limited legal experience, totaling less than nine years, falls short of the ABA's baseline expectation of 12 years for federal judges. The White House has dismissed the ABA's assessment as partisan, while Senate Democrats, including Sen. Dick Durbin, have expressed concerns over Lane's qualifications. 
