Michael A. Chagares

Michael A. Chagares is an American jurist who has served on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit since 2006 and assumed the position of chief judge of that circuit in late 2021. Appointed by President George W. Bush, he brings a background that includes clerking at the appellate level, extensive experience as a federal prosecutor, private‑sector practice, and long‑standing involvement in legal education.

Early life and legal career

Born in 1962, Michael Arthur Chagares completed his undergraduate studies at Gettysburg College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1984. He continued his academic preparation for the legal profession at Seton Hall University School of Law, where he received a Juris Doctor three years later. Following graduation, Chagares entered the federal judiciary as a law clerk to Judge Morton Ira Greenberg of the Third Circuit, serving from 1987 until 1988. This early exposure to appellate adjudication provided foundational insight into the workings of the federal courts.

After completing his clerkship, Chagares spent two years in private practice before transitioning to public service as an assistant United States attorney in 1990. Over the ensuing decade he advanced within the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, ultimately becoming chief of the Civil Division in 1999. In that capacity he oversaw civil litigation involving the federal government, a role that combined managerial responsibilities with substantive legal work.

In 2004 Chagares returned to private practice, joining the Hackensack‑based firm Cole Schotz. While there he continued to engage with the broader legal community through an adjunct professorship at Seton Hall University School of Law, a position he has held continuously since 1991. His long tenure as an educator reflects a commitment to mentoring future lawyers and contributing to scholarly discourse.

In addition to his teaching duties, Chagares contributed to legal literature by co‑authoring a non‑fiction work on federal civil procedure in New Jersey. This publication underscores his expertise in procedural matters that frequently arise before the federal courts of his home circuit.

Federal appellate service

President George W. Bush nominated Chagares to fill a vacancy on the Third Circuit created when Michael Chertoff resigned to become Secretary of Homeland Security. The nomination was submitted on January 25, 2006 and proceeded through the Senate with minimal opposition. Confirmation occurred on April 4, 2006 by a unanimous vote, reflecting broad bipartisan support for his appointment. He received his judicial commission shortly thereafter on April 20, 2006.

During his tenure as an active circuit judge, Chagares has participated in the adjudication of a wide array of federal appeals, ranging from constitutional questions to complex civil and criminal matters. His service on the bench aligns with the responsibilities of appellate judges to review lower‑court decisions for legal error, interpret statutes, and apply precedent within the framework established by the United States Constitution.

On November 17, 2021 it was announced that Chagares would become the next chief judge of the Third Circuit, a role he assumed on December 4, 2021. The chief judgeship carries administrative duties in addition to judicial responsibilities, including oversight of court operations, case management, and coordination with other branches of the federal judiciary. By virtue of seniority and compliance with statutory criteria, Chagares succeeded to this leadership position, continuing a tradition of orderly transition within the circuit.

Jurisprudence and legacy

While specific opinions authored by Judge Chagares are not detailed here, his long service on a prominent appellate court positions him as an influential figure in shaping the development of federal law within the Third Circuit’s jurisdiction, which encompasses Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and the Virgin Islands. As chief judge, he plays a pivotal role in ensuring the efficient administration of justice, guiding procedural reforms, and fostering collegiality among his fellow judges.

His background as a former federal prosecutor informs an understanding of both civil and criminal litigation from the perspective of government representation. This experience, combined with his earlier clerkship on the same circuit, provides a comprehensive view of appellate practice that can influence deliberations and decision‑making processes.

Beyond the courtroom, Chagares’s sustained involvement in legal education through Seton Hall University underscores a commitment to the professional development of law students and young attorneys. The adjunct professorship, maintained for three decades, suggests an ongoing contribution to curriculum delivery and mentorship, reinforcing the bridge between academic theory and practical application.

The co‑authored text on New Jersey federal civil procedure further reflects his engagement with procedural scholarship. By elucidating the rules governing federal litigation in a state‑specific context, the work serves as a resource for practitioners navigating the complexities of jurisdictional nuances within the circuit.

Overall, Michael A. Chagares’s career trajectory—from clerkship and prosecutorial leadership to private practice, academia, and ultimately senior judicial service—exemplifies a multifaceted legal professional who has operated across several sectors of the American legal system. His appointment by a Republican president and unanimous Senate confirmation illustrate bipartisan confidence in his qualifications at the time of elevation to the federal bench. As chief judge, he continues to influence both the substantive jurisprudence and the operational effectiveness of the Third Circuit, contributing to the broader mission of the United States judiciary.