In the heart of America’s judicial system, few stories resonate as powerfully as that of Keli Marie Neary, a woman whose life is a testament to hard work, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Confirmed as a U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania on December 10, 2024, Judge Neary’s journey from a small-town dreamer to a federal bench powerhouse is one that Americans can’t help but admire—a classic tale of determination meeting destiny.
Early Life: A Rust Belt Roots Story
Born in 1981 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania—a gritty steel town known for its floods and fighting spirit—Keli Neary grew up in a community where perseverance was a way of life. Raised by working-class parents, she learned early on the value of hustle. Her father, a factory worker turned mechanic, and her mother, a nurse’s aide, instilled in her a blend of blue-collar tenacity and compassion for others. As a kid, Keli was the type to organize neighborhood games and settle disputes with a fair hand—hints of the judge she’d become.
At age 12, a courtroom experience during a family matter lit a spark. “I saw a judge make a difference,” she later recalled, “and I knew I wanted to be that person—someone who listens, who cares, who makes things right.” That moment set her on a path she’d never abandon.
Education: From Kitchen Shifts to Law Books
Keli’s road to the bench wasn’t handed to her—she earned it, shift by shift. To fund her education, she worked as a dietary aide and kitchen supervisor at Laurel View Village Assisted Living Facility, juggling trays and textbooks with equal grit. In 2003, she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, proving she could shine academically while keeping her feet firmly on the ground.
Law school beckoned next, and Keli enrolled at Widener University Commonwealth Law School in Harrisburg. There, she found mentors who shaped her future—professors like Mike Dimino, who taught her constitutional law with patience, and Mary Kate Kearney, whose family law seminar opened her eyes to new possibilities. She graduated with her Juris Doctor in 2006, armed with a sharp mind and a heart for public service.
Climbing the Ladder: A Career Built on Justice
Keli didn’t waste a minute after law school. From 2006 to 2007, she clerked for Judges C. Joseph Rehkamp, Kathy Morrow, and Keith B. Quigley on the Perry County Court of Common Pleas, soaking up courtroom know-how from the ground level. In 2007, she joined the Pennsylvania State Police’s Office of Chief Counsel as an assistant counsel, spending five years advising troopers and tackling legal challenges head-on. It was here she got her first taste of federal litigation, a passion that would define her career.
In 2012, Keli stepped into the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, where she’d spend the next 12 years rising through the ranks. Starting as a Deputy Attorney General, she quickly climbed to Senior Deputy, then Chief Deputy, and finally, in 2019, Executive Deputy Attorney General for the Civil Law Division. Leading over 120 attorneys and staff, she defended Pennsylvania’s laws, fought for affordable healthcare, and protected election integrity—big stakes for a small-town girl.
Her standout moments? Representing the Commonwealth in high-stakes cases, like blocking hospital monopolies to keep healthcare costs down and securing agreements with insurance giants to protect Pennsylvanians. She also took on ghost gun laws and election disputes, showing she could handle the heat of controversy with cool-headed precision.
The Federal Bench: A Dream Realized
On July 31, 2024, President Joe Biden nominated Keli to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, replacing Judge Christopher C. Conner, who retired in January 2025. The Senate Judiciary Committee grilled her on September 25, 2024, but Keli’s record spoke for itself. With the American Bar Association rating her “well qualified,” she sailed through confirmation on December 10, 2024, with a tight 49-48 Senate vote—a nod to her bipartisan respect.
Sworn in shortly after, Judge Neary now presides in Harrisburg, one of 11 active judges in a district stretching across 33 Pennsylvania counties. Her courtroom style? Firm but fair, with a knack for listening—a throwback to that 12-year-old who wanted everyone to feel heard.
Personal Life: The Woman Behind the Robe
Off the bench, Keli’s a down-to-earth soul. She’s married to a high school teacher, and they’ve got two kids who keep her grounded. A fitness buff, she’s been spotted jogging along the Susquehanna River, earbuds in, plotting her next case strategy. She’s also a bookworm—think legal thrillers and American history—and a mentor to young lawyers, often speaking at Widener Law events.
Her community ties run deep. She’s vice president of the James S. Bowman American Inn of Court and president-elect of the Federal Bar Association’s Middle District Chapter—roles that show her love for the law beyond the courtroom.
Why Americans Love Her Story
Keli Neary’s tale hits all the right notes for the American spirit: a small-town kid who worked her way up, fought for the little guy, and landed a seat at the table of justice. She’s not just a judge—she’s proof that dedication pays off, that the system can still lift up those who earn it. As she settles into her federal role, Pennsylvanians and Americans alike are watching, rooting for a woman who’s already made history—and is just getting started.