Washington, D.C. – April 17, 2025 – President Donald Trump has designated Judge Matthew H. Solomson, a deeply committed Orthodox Jew and respected legal scholar, as Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, marking a historic milestone as the first Orthodox Jew to hold this role on the prestigious federal bench.

A resident of Silver Spring, Maryland, Solomson’s life reflects a uniquely American Jewish journey—son of a U.S. Army colonel, grandson of immigrants, and now entrusted with overseeing justice between citizens and the government. A graduate of Brandeis University and holder of both a J.D. and M.B.A. from the University of Maryland, Solomson has built a career of legal excellence, from leading legal teams in federal contracting to serving as an adjunct professor and dean at the Tikvah Legal Fellowship.

He is also a member of the yadin yadin kollel at Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS), and his official bio proudly notes his enjoyment of Gemara study. Outside of court and learning, he enjoys tennis and beach time with his family.

In a heartfelt message, Judge Solomson wrote:

“I am deeply honored to have been designated Chief Judge of the United States Court of Federal Claims by President Trump… Our court strives to live up to [President Lincoln’s] maxim every day. Sometimes that means a plaintiff prevails; sometimes the government does. Either way, the people always win… I am truly living the American dream… Thank you to my wife of nearly 30 years, Lisa Solomson, for her unwavering support—my accomplishments are hers, too.

As my family and I celebrate Passover… I am reminded about the nature of true freedom. The late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks observed that ‘[a] world in which everyone is free to do what they like begins in anarchy and ends in tyranny.’ Passover celebrates a different concept of freedom—one that is remarkably similar to the ordered liberty embodied in our miraculous Constitution… Every day of service in the judiciary is truly a sacred duty.”

Judge Solomson’s appointment has drawn praise across ideological and communal lines. Nathan Diament of the Orthodox Union called it “a point of pride for the Orthodox community… a reminder that one can be deeply committed to Torah and reach the highest levels of public service.”

Tevi Troy, former Deputy HHS Secretary, emphasized that Solomson “literally wrote the book” on federal claims litigation, and lauded his “courageous stand” against antisemitic and pro-Hamas behavior on college campuses—pledging to bar law clerks from schools tolerating such conduct.

Tal Fortgang, legal policy fellow at the Manhattan Institute, added that Solomson is “fair, thoughtful, fiercely principled, and admired by colleagues, staff, and students alike.”

Yossie Charner, Agudath Israel of America Director of Congressional Affairs: Mazal Tov to my longtime friend Judge Matthew H. Solomson on his appointment as Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims — a true role model who blends Torah values with distinguished public service. 

Judge Solomson’s elevation not only reflects his legal acumen and deep ethical grounding, but also offers inspiration to Jewish professionals nationwide, proving that religious observance and national leadership are not only compatible—they are powerfully aligned.