Cathy Bissoon

The Honorable Cathy Bissoon serves as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and is a U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania. She was appointed to the federal bench in 2011, becoming the first Hispanic female, Asian American, and South Asian American female Article III judge in Pennsylvania and the U.S., respectively. Her legal career spans private practice, judicial service, and leadership in diversity initiatives.

Education:

• JD, Harvard Law School (1993)
• BA (summa cum laude), Alfred University (1990)

Research and Professional Focus: Judge Bissoon specializes in employment law, intellectual property, and judicial innovation. She co-founded the Q. Todd Dickinson Intellectual Property American Inn of Court and led its executive committee. Her advocacy for diversity in the legal profession includes roles as Reed Smith’s Director of Diversity and membership on Pennsylvania’s Interbranch Commission for Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Fairness.

Awards and Recognition:

• Recipient of the Thurgood Marshall Award for diversity advocacy
• 2017 Linn Alliance Distinguished Service Medal for contributions to intellectual property law
• Listed in Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, and recognized as a 'Pennsylvania Super Lawyer'

Community and Professional Leadership: Judge Bissoon serves on boards of the Pittsburgh Zoo, Phipps Conservatory, and the Federal Judges Association. She actively participates in The Sedona Conference’s Judicial Advisory Board and Diversity Committee, addressing complex litigation challenges. Her community engagement includes Girl Scout leadership and martial arts instruction in Tang Soo Do.