Former Loyola law professor Stephen Higginson has been confirmed to a position on the United States Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, which is one step under the Supreme Court.

Higginson filled a position on the U.S. Court of Appeals for 5th Circuit, which is located in New Orleans and handles appeals from the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

“His appointment is a phenomenal accomplishment,” said Kathryn Lorio, law professor. “I don’t think many people realize that the Court of Appeals is one step under the Supreme Court.”

Higginson said the appointment process, which began in May, was long and complicated. Sen. Mary Landrieu recommended Higginson to President Barack Obama, who then nominated Higginson for the position. The vote was brought to the full Senate, where Sens. Mary Landrieu and David Vitter of Louisiana endorsed Higginson. He was voted into the position 88-0 on Oct. 31.

Tatiana Mouton, J.D.’11, said she is proud to say Higginson taught her.

“He is incredible. He is really great at putting things into perspective, and I definitely applied the methodologies he taught us to other classes,” Mouton said. “He is also so genuine and so down to earth.”

Lorio said he is an outstanding teacher with practical knowledge.

“He really showed students how the system works. The interest he takes in his students is incredible,” she said.

Lillie Joyce, J.D.’10, said she was excited to hear about her former professor’s appointment.

“He has an unmatched enthusiasm and great understanding of the law, which was evident in all of his classes,” she said.

As a law professor at Loyola, Higginson taught evidence, constitutional law and criminal justice courses. Before being appointed to the 5th Circuit, Higginson was also an assistant U.S. attorney, serving as the Chief of Appeals for the U.S. Attorney’s Office—Eastern District of Louisiana.

Higginson has resigned his positions with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Loyola, and giving his classes to another professor. Higginson’s first day on the 5th Circuit was Nov. 2, when Obama signed the appointment and Higginson was sworn into office.

“He is so young and active. He has such a long time to make his mark and to make history. I could see him being on the Supreme Court one day,” Lorio said.

Hannah Iannazzo can be reached at [email protected]