PROVIDENCE, RI – After the recent passing of Judge Bruce M. Selya, 90, a proud son of Providence who became the first Jewish person to ascend to the federal bench in Rhode Island -- serving as a senior U.S. circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit and later as chief judge of the United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court of Review -- U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) issued the following statement today hailing Judge Selya's remarkable life and legacy:

“Rhode Island has lost a legal legend whose outstanding contributions to the community and the people of Rhode Island go well beyond his four decades of remarkable service on the federal bench. 

“As a judge, Bruce Selya was nationally renowned and respected and set a high bar that many others in his profession admire and aspire to reach.  As a man, he will be remembered for his exemplary devotion to the law and uplifting others, particularly those in his beloved hometown of Providence.

“A man of great wisdom, integrity, modesty, wit, and high ethical standards, Judge Selya was known for his thoughtfulness, keen intellect, and judicial temperament.  He touched countless lives in his courtroom and beyond, including legions of law clerks he mentored over the years, including U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Ketanji Brown Jackson.

“Over the course of his impressive legal career, he had a hand in over 1,800 opinions, many written in his signature, concise writing style that brings complex issues into focus.  He participated in notable cases that helped shape and influence the nation's jurisprudence.

“An inspiration to many, his example will continue to serve as a guiding light to future generations of lawyers and judges.  And his philanthropic work will continue to make a positive difference.

“Our heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife Cindy, their children, grandchildren, and extended family and friends.  We join them in mourning a great loss, and in celebrating a life well lived.  Thank you, Your Honor, for a lifetime of service to others and for your undying dedication to the people of Rhode Island and the principles of democracy and justice for all.”

Born and raised in Providence, Selya attended Classical High School before going on to graduate with honors from Harvard Law School.  In 1982, Selya was nominated to U.S. District Court by President Ronald Reagan and later elevated to the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 1986.

In 2000, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist appointed Selya to the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, a position Selya held until 2004.  In 2005, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts appointed Selya to the United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court of Review, and in 2008 Selya was appointed to the chief judgeship of the Court of Review.

Selya contributed his time and talents to many community causes and public service endeavors, including leadership roles on numerous and diverse institutional boards.  He taught law school students and received honorary degrees from Bryant University, Roger Williams University, and Brandeis University.

In 2023, the City of Providence designated Fulton Street as Judge Selya Way.