Chief District Judge Sarah D. Morrison of the United States District Court for the Southern District of
Ohio is pleased to announce Matthew R. Byrne was sworn in on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, as the 41st District
Judge of the Court.
Judge Byrne fills the vacancy created by District Judge Michael H. Watson, who took senior status in
November 2025. Judge Byrne will serve in the Potter Stewart United States Courthouse in Cincinnati.
Judge Byrne transitions to the federal bench following several years as a Judge for the Ohio Court of
Appeals for the Twelfth District. The Twelfth District Court of Appeals reviews criminal and civil trial
court cases across an eight-county region in southwest Ohio—specifically Brown, Butler, Clermont,
Clinton, Fayette, Madison, Preble, and Warren counties.
“We are excited for Judge Byrne to join our Court," said Chief Judge Morrison. "With his accomplished
service, he brings a thorough command of the law and a clear appreciation for our Court’s mission. I am
certain he will serve the public with exemplary dedication.”
Before being elected to serve on the appeals court, Judge Byrne worked for two law firms, Jackson Lewis
P.C. and Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP. His litigation practice spanned both state and federal courts at
both the trial and appellate levels where he advocated for clients of all sizes, from small businesses to
multinational enterprises. His experience also encompasses complex class and collective actions,
arbitrations, and proceedings before various administrative bodies. Earlier in his career, Judge Byrne
worked in the White House’s Office of Presidential Personnel under President George W. Bush.
“I look forward to serving the people of Ohio, and of the United States, at the Southern District. I will
strive each day to apply the law as written, fairly and impartially,” said Judge Byrne.
Judge Byrne is a graduate of the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.