Joun and Edelman Will Bring Needed Experience to the Federal Bench

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Rachel Hooper, [email protected]

WASHINGTON – Lena Zwarensteyn, senior director of the fair courts program at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, released the following statement after the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the nominations of six judicial nominees, including Justice Myong Joun for the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and Judge Todd Edelman for the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

“As demonstrated at today’s hearing, the Senate Judiciary Committee — under the leadership of Chair Durbin — continues to prioritize the consideration of outstanding judicial nominees who will strengthen our federal judiciary. In particular, Judge Edelman will bring to the district court vital and underrepresented experience as a public defender, helping those who cannot afford an attorney access justice, as well as impressive service as a fair-minded jurist on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Similarly, Justice Joun has significant civil rights litigation experience in addition to his record serving as an impartial and fair jurist on the Boston Municipal Court. If confirmed, Joun would be the first Asian American man to serve on the federal bench in Massachusetts. We urge the Senate to move quickly and confirm these highly qualified nominees to ensure that our federal courts better reflect the varied perspectives and diversity of our nation.”

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 230 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.

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