---
title: "Margaret Bartley | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/margaret-bartley-9670"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Margaret Bartley

United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims · Chief U.S. Circuit Judge

## Profile

- Court: United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
- State: National federal courts
- Role: Chief U.S. Circuit Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-06-30

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Biography

### Professional career

- Chief Judge, United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, 2019-present
- Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (2012–present)
- Senior judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, appointed in 2012 by President Barack Obama, and held the role of Chief Judge from 2019 to 2024
- Judge, United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, 2012-2019
- Judicial law clerk to the late Judge Jonathan R. Steinberg of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
- Official site: US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims – Judge Margaret Bartley
- Her career reflects a commitment to improving veterans’ access to justice through legal advocacy, education, and judicial governance

### Education

- J.D. cum laude from the American University Washington College of Law in 1993
- B.A. cum laude from Pennsylvania State University in 1981
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus — B.A. (1981)

### Additional information

- Chief Judge: Served from December 4, 2019, to September 19, 2024.
- Appointed: Nominated by President Obama on June 22, 2011; confirmed by the Senate on May 24, 2012; appointed June 25, 2012; took oath June 28, 2012.
- She also held the role of Director of Outreach and Education for the Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program and as editor of The Veterans Advocate from 2004 to 2012.
- Margaret Ciszek Bartley was born December 21, 1959, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- Before joining the judiciary, Bartley had over 17 years in veterans’ legal advocacy.
- As Chief Judge, Bartley emphasized institutional stewardship, process quality, and service-oriented leadership.
- Staff attorney and later senior staff attorney for the National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP), advising and training staff for organizations such as the American Legion, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and Vietnam Veterans of America.
- She has authored and edited multiple veterans’ law publications, including the Veterans Benefits Manual and VA’s Obligations Toward Claimants.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### oral argument permission

Scope: courtwide

Oral argument is allowed only when ordered by the court and will occur at the place and time the court orders.

Evidence excerpt: Oral argument will be allowed only when ordered by the Court and will be held where and when the Court orders.

[Rule 34: Oral Argument](https://www.uscourts.cavc.gov/rule34.php)
Source checked: 2026-07-30

### oral argument request

Scope: courtwide

For an appeal on the merits, move for oral argument no later than 14 days after the reply brief is due or filed, and explain why argument will aid the court. Do not embed the request in a brief.

Evidence excerpt: A motion for oral argument shall specify why such argument will aid the Court. A motion for oral argument may not be included in any brief.

[Rule 34: Oral Argument](https://www.uscourts.cavc.gov/rule34.php)
Source checked: 2026-07-30

### amicus argument

Scope: courtwide

An amicus curiae may participate in oral argument only by invitation of the court.

Evidence excerpt: An amicus curiae will be permitted to participate in oral argument only at the invitation of the Court.

[Rule 34: Oral Argument](https://www.uscourts.cavc.gov/rule34.php)
Source checked: 2026-07-30

### argument schedule changes

Scope: courtwide

Request postponement or additional argument time by motion reasonably before the argument date and show good cause.

Evidence excerpt: A request for postponement of the argument or for the allowance of additional time shall be made by motion filed reasonably in advance of the date fixed for argument and shall contain a showing of good cause.

[Rule 34: Oral Argument](https://www.uscourts.cavc.gov/rule34.php)
Source checked: 2026-07-30

### argument order

Scope: courtwide

The appellant generally opens and concludes merits argument; on a motion, the movant generally opens and concludes.

Evidence excerpt: The appellant will generally open and conclude the argument. In argument on motions, the movant generally will open and conclude the argument.

[Rule 34: Oral Argument](https://www.uscourts.cavc.gov/rule34.php)
Source checked: 2026-07-30

### physical exhibits

Scope: courtwide

Coordinate non-document physical exhibits with the clerk so they are in the courtroom before court convenes, and remove them after argument unless directed otherwise.

Evidence excerpt: A party who wishes to use physical exhibits other than documents shall arrange with the Clerk to have them placed in the courtroom on the date of the argument before the Court convenes.

[Rule 34: Oral Argument](https://www.uscourts.cavc.gov/rule34.php)
Source checked: 2026-07-30


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/9670/margaret-bartley/)
- [Official roster](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/9670/margaret-bartley/)
- [United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/9670/margaret-bartley/)
- [Rule 34: Oral Argument](https://www.uscourts.cavc.gov/rule34.php)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/9670/margaret-bartley/)

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