Koh 1st Korean American Federal Appellate Judge

By Jennie L. Ilustre

 

Lawmakers and an advocacy leader have lauded the historic confirmation of Judge Lucy Koh to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals

Judge Lucy Koh is the first Korean American woman federal appellate judge. The 100-member U.S. Senate voted 50-45 to confirm her on December 13. Koh, 53, was the U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of California.

She is joined by Judge Jennifer Sung, who was confirmed by the U.S. Senate, by a 50-49 vote, to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on December 15. Judge Koh and Judge Sung, a Chinese American, are among the few Asian Americans in the federal judiciary.

Rep. Judy Chu of the 27th district of California has supported Judge Koh through the years. The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair said she has been proud to know and follow the career of Judge Koh for years.

“So I am ecstatic that such a qualified and talented judge has been confirmed to serve on the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit,” she said.

In related news, the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) expressed support for Judge Sung’s confirmation in #Courts matter. “If confirmed, Sung would be the first AAPI judge from Oregon on the Ninth Circuit, the third AAPI woman to ever serve on a US Court of Appeals, and would have the most experience working at a labor union of any sitting judge on the Ninth Circuit.”

For NCJW’s full statement, scroll down to this story.

 

NAPABA

Sid Kanazawa, president of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), also expressed pride in Judge Koh in an email: “NAPABA congratulates Judge Lucy Koh on her historic confirmation to the Ninth Circuit, becoming the first Korean American female federal appellate judge in the United States.”

“Judge Koh is a devoted public servant, a trailblazer, a mentor to young lawyers, and a dear friend. She has and continues to make us so proud,” Kanazawa added. Judge Koh is a lifetime member of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Silicon Valley.

Al Dia newspaper quoted Virginia Delegate Mark Keam’s reaction on Twitter, likewise expressing pride: “My good friend federal judge Lucy Koh was just confirmed by the US Senate to serve on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. ”So happy for Lucy and her family, and very proud of her long public service career.”

Al Dia noted that the 9th Circuit hears appeals from Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, and Montana.

 

Deep Expertise

“As a District Court Judge, Judge Koh demonstrated a commitment to the law and the needs of our communities, as exemplified by her significant rulings to force the Trump Administration to produce an accurate census,” Congresswoman Chu pointed out.

Chu noted Judge Koh has also served as a California Superior Court Judge for Santa Clara County, and served in the Department of Justice for seven years, giving her a deep expertise in federal law.

“I know that she will continue to be a champion for justice for all Americans as the first Korean American woman federal appellate judge,” the CAPAC Chair added.

CAPAC is composed of Members of the U.S. Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) descent, as well as other U.S. representatives and senators who have “a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the AAPI community.” CAPAC was founded in 1994. It is non-partisan and bi-cameral.

 

Judge Sung

In #Courts matter, the National Council of Jewish Women explained why they supported Judge Sung’s confirmation.

“A union organizer-turned-labor attorney, Jennifer Sung has spent her career advocating for workers’ rights. She is currently a member of the Oregon Employment Relations Board, hearing labor disputes from thousands of workers covered by collective bargaining agreements in the public and private sectors.

“Prior to this, Sung worked at several law firms representing labor organizations and employees in civil litigation, arbitration and agency proceedings, contract negotiations, policy development, and professional licensing matters.

“Early in her legal career, Sung served as a clerk on the very court to which she has been nominated. Before entering the legal field, Sung worked for Service Employees International Union organizing workers to more effectively bargain with their employers.

“If confirmed, Sung would be the first AAPI judge from Oregon on the Ninth Circuit, the third AAPI woman to ever serve on a US Court of Appeals, and would have the most experience working at a labor union of any sitting judge on the Ninth Circuit.”