Honolulu attorney Clare E. Connors was nominated to the federal bench, replacing Chief Judge Susan Oki Mollway in U.S. District Court in Hawaii.

Connors, of Davis Levin Livingston in Honolulu, began her legal career as a clerk for federal Judge David Ezra. She was previously an assistant in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Hawaii, a trial attorney in the Tax Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, and a special assistant U.S. attorney in Virginia. She is a graduate of Harvard Law School, Yale and Punahou School.

Civil litigation is her current focus in private practice.

Connors was nominated by U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono, and the federal Judicial Selection Commission.

“Clare Connors is an excellent choice to serve as U.S. District Court judge for the District of Hawaii,” Schatz said. “Her broad experience and legal knowledge make her an outstanding replacement to fill this important vacancy. With her deep background in public service, I am confident she will serve the federal court and Hawaii well. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure a speedy confirmation process.”

Mollway becomes a senior judge Nov. 6, a form of semiretirement for federal judges whose appointments are for life.

“Clare’s judicial experience and deep community ties make her a strong candidate to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii,” Hirono said. “Throughout her professional career, Clare has demonstrated a clear commitment to public service. Her legal background spans both criminal and civil work and includes trial experience. Hawaii deserves a full and active bench in the U.S. District Court and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to ensure a smooth confirmation process.”