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The White House
June 01, 2009
Letter of Support to Senators from Sotomayor Law Clerks
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
__________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 1, 2009
__________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 1, 2009
Attached, please find a letter that was sent this morning to Senators Reid, McConnell, Leahy, and Sessions from law clerks of Judge Sonia Sotomayor expressing their full support for her elevation to the Supreme Court.
##
June 1, 2009
##
June 1, 2009
The Honorable Harry Reid
Majority Leader
United States Senate
522 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Majority Leader
United States Senate
522 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable Mitch McConnell
Minority Leader
United States Senate
361-A Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Minority Leader
United States Senate
361-A Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable Patrick J. Leahy
Chairman
Committee on the Judiciary
United States Senate
433 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Chairman
Committee on the Judiciary
United States Senate
433 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable Jeff Sessions
Ranking Member
Committee on the Judiciary
United States Senate
335 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Ranking Member
Committee on the Judiciary
United States Senate
335 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Majority Leader Reid, Minority Leader McConnell, Chairman Leahy, and Ranking Member Sessions:
As former law clerks to the Honorable Sonia Sotomayor, we write this letter to offer our enthusiastic and wholehearted support for President Obama’s nomination of Judge Sotomayor to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States. Our group includes federal prosecutors and other government lawyers; private law firm partners and in-house corporate counsel; and legal academics and public interest lawyers. Although our professional experiences are diverse, we are united in our strong belief that Judge Sotomayor is a brilliant and first-rate judge who is an ideal selection for our nation’s highest court.
Judge Sotomayor’s professional qualifications are indisputably stellar. If confirmed, Judge Sotomayor would bring more federal judicial experience to the Supreme Court than any Supreme Court Justice in a century. Judge Sotomayor’s three-decade career as a big-city prosecutor, corporate litigator, federal trial judge, and federal appellate judge has equipped her with a wide range of experience in nearly every area of law and uniquely qualifies her for this position.
As former law clerks to Judge Sotomayor, each of us can attest to her intellectual prowess, extraordinary work ethic, and commitment to the rule of law. Working for Judge Sotomayor is an awe-inspiring experience. We each had the privilege of working closely with her as she confronted, and resolved, incredibly complex and intellectually demanding legal challenges. Judge Sotomayor approaches each case with an open mind and arrives at her decision only after carefully considering all of the pertinent facts and applicable rules of law. She brings to each case not only her formidable intellect, but also her practical judgment, honed from years of real-world law practice and experience solving difficult problems as a federal district court and appellate judge. Numerous commentators have remarked upon Judge Sotomayor’s wealth of judicial experience. This experience is clear whenever she takes the bench. Judge Sotomayor is thoughtful, engaged, and well-prepared during oral argument, showing an extraordinary grasp of the factual details and legal nuances of her cases. She is a judge who is tough and fair, yet highly respectful of her colleagues in the judiciary (including those with whom she sometimes disagrees) and the litigants appearing before her. Nor does she ever lose sight of the real-world impact of her decisions. Our view of Judge Sotomayor mirrors her reputation among her colleagues on the bench and among members of the bar who have practiced before her, who widely respect her intellectual dynamism, collegiality, and balanced, fair jurisprudence.
Judge Sotomayor’s compelling life story has by now been widely reported. For those of us who know her well, she is truly an inspiration, and we know that she will serve as a superb role model for countless young people. While never forgetting her beginnings, Judge Sotomayor has achieved so much in the best American tradition – through extraordinary talent and tireless hard work. Whether prosecuting felonies as a district attorney, litigating complex commercial disputes as a law firm partner, or sitting as a trial or appellate judge, she has always shown a commitment to understanding the concerns of individuals from all walks of life, and to ensuring that all Americans have access to justice.
Judge Sotomayor’s personal dynamism is also legendary. She teaches at New York’s top law schools, participates in charitable and community events, and maintains legions of friendships. She is a wonderful colleague admired by her fellow judges, and is a committed mentor to her clerks. As former law clerks, we feel especially privileged to be part of her extended "family." Judge Sotomayor has officiated at our weddings, celebrated the births of our children, and has cheered us on to achieve personal and professional success.
Judge Sotomayor is an extraordinary judge and an extraordinary woman. Her combination of intellect, integrity, and vast experience will make her an outstanding Supreme Court Justice. We unconditionally support her nomination and urge you to confirm her as the next Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.
Respectfully Submitted,
As former law clerks to the Honorable Sonia Sotomayor, we write this letter to offer our enthusiastic and wholehearted support for President Obama’s nomination of Judge Sotomayor to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States. Our group includes federal prosecutors and other government lawyers; private law firm partners and in-house corporate counsel; and legal academics and public interest lawyers. Although our professional experiences are diverse, we are united in our strong belief that Judge Sotomayor is a brilliant and first-rate judge who is an ideal selection for our nation’s highest court.
Judge Sotomayor’s professional qualifications are indisputably stellar. If confirmed, Judge Sotomayor would bring more federal judicial experience to the Supreme Court than any Supreme Court Justice in a century. Judge Sotomayor’s three-decade career as a big-city prosecutor, corporate litigator, federal trial judge, and federal appellate judge has equipped her with a wide range of experience in nearly every area of law and uniquely qualifies her for this position.
As former law clerks to Judge Sotomayor, each of us can attest to her intellectual prowess, extraordinary work ethic, and commitment to the rule of law. Working for Judge Sotomayor is an awe-inspiring experience. We each had the privilege of working closely with her as she confronted, and resolved, incredibly complex and intellectually demanding legal challenges. Judge Sotomayor approaches each case with an open mind and arrives at her decision only after carefully considering all of the pertinent facts and applicable rules of law. She brings to each case not only her formidable intellect, but also her practical judgment, honed from years of real-world law practice and experience solving difficult problems as a federal district court and appellate judge. Numerous commentators have remarked upon Judge Sotomayor’s wealth of judicial experience. This experience is clear whenever she takes the bench. Judge Sotomayor is thoughtful, engaged, and well-prepared during oral argument, showing an extraordinary grasp of the factual details and legal nuances of her cases. She is a judge who is tough and fair, yet highly respectful of her colleagues in the judiciary (including those with whom she sometimes disagrees) and the litigants appearing before her. Nor does she ever lose sight of the real-world impact of her decisions. Our view of Judge Sotomayor mirrors her reputation among her colleagues on the bench and among members of the bar who have practiced before her, who widely respect her intellectual dynamism, collegiality, and balanced, fair jurisprudence.
Judge Sotomayor’s compelling life story has by now been widely reported. For those of us who know her well, she is truly an inspiration, and we know that she will serve as a superb role model for countless young people. While never forgetting her beginnings, Judge Sotomayor has achieved so much in the best American tradition – through extraordinary talent and tireless hard work. Whether prosecuting felonies as a district attorney, litigating complex commercial disputes as a law firm partner, or sitting as a trial or appellate judge, she has always shown a commitment to understanding the concerns of individuals from all walks of life, and to ensuring that all Americans have access to justice.
Judge Sotomayor’s personal dynamism is also legendary. She teaches at New York’s top law schools, participates in charitable and community events, and maintains legions of friendships. She is a wonderful colleague admired by her fellow judges, and is a committed mentor to her clerks. As former law clerks, we feel especially privileged to be part of her extended "family." Judge Sotomayor has officiated at our weddings, celebrated the births of our children, and has cheered us on to achieve personal and professional success.
Judge Sotomayor is an extraordinary judge and an extraordinary woman. Her combination of intellect, integrity, and vast experience will make her an outstanding Supreme Court Justice. We unconditionally support her nomination and urge you to confirm her as the next Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.
Respectfully Submitted,
/s/ Adam Abensohn
Adam Abensohn
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1996-97, 1998-99
/s/ Alison Nodvin Barkoff
Alison Nodvin Barkoff
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2000-01
/s/ Julie H. Becker
Julie H. Becker
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1999-2000
/s/ Edward J.W. Blatnik
Edward J. W. Blatnik
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2000-01
/s/ Hannah Y.S. Chanoine
Hannah Shay Chanoine
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2004-05
/s/ Kevin E. Collins
Kevin E. Collins
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2002-03
/s/ Melissa Lynn Elstein
Melissa Lynn Elstein
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1998-99
/s/ Tracy M. Flynn
Tracy M. Flynn
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1994-95
/s/ Kimberly A. Gahan
Kimberly A. Gahan
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2007-08
/s/ Jessica Hertz
Jessica Hertz
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2007-08
/s/ Robin Kar
Robin Kar
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1998-99
/s/ Curtis A. Kin
Curtis A. Kin
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1999-2000
/s/ Andrew B. Ayers
Andrew B. Ayers
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2005-06
/s/ David A. Battat
David A. Battat
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1994-95
/s/ Molly Biklen
Molly Biklen
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2005-06
/s/ Charu A. Chandrasekhar
Charu A. Chandrasekhar
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2004-05
s/ Matthew Colangelo
Matthew Colangelo
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2002-03
/s/ Glenn C. Edwards
Glenn C. Edwards
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1997-98, 2001-02
/s/ Joseph Evall
Joseph Evall
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1992-93
/s/ Cary Franklin
Cary Franklin
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2005-06
/s/ Jeff Grossman
Jeff Grossman
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2000-01
/s/ Kathy J. Holub
Kathy J. Holub
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1995-96
/s/ Mike Kavey
Mike Kavey
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2004-05
/s/ Timothy Lambert
Timothy Lambert
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2000-01
/s/ James R. Levine
James R. Levine
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2001-02
/s/ Julia Tarver Mason
Julia Tarver Mason
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1996-97
/s/ Sarah S. Normand
Sarah S. Normand
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1998-99
/s/ Xavier Romeu-Matta
Xavier Romeu-Matta
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1992-93
/s/ Melissa Murray
Melissa Murray
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2003-04
/s/ David S. Rubenstein
David S. Rubenstein
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2007-08
/s/ Alan E. Schoenfeld
Alan E. Schoenfeld
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2006-07
/s/ Danielle Feldman Tarantolo
Danielle Feldman Tarantolo
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2006-07
/s/ Jeannette Vargas
Jeannette Vargas
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2001-02
/s/ Natalie R. Williams
Natalie R. Williams
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1993-94
/s/ Lisa Zornberg
Lisa Zornberg
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1997-98
/s/ Jack A. Levy
Jack A. Levy
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1999-2000
/s/ Amy Carper Mena
Amy Carper Mena
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2003-04
/s/ Jenny Rivera
Jenny Rivera
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1993-94
/s/ David Moskowitz
David Moskowitz
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2007-08
/s/ Claude Platton
Claude Platton
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2006-07
s/ Rose Saxe
Rose Saxe
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2002-03
/s/ Robert Spoo
Robert Spoo
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2003-04
/s/ Travis J. Tu
Travis J. Tu
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2003-04
/s/ Brent Wible
Brent Wible
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2005-06
/s/ Kyle C. Wong
Kyle C. Wong
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2006-07
cc:
Senator Herb Kohl
Senator Dianne Feinstein
Senator Russell D. Feingold
Senator Charles E. Schumer
Senator Richard J. Durbin
Senator Benjamin L. Cardin
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
Senator Ron Wyden
Senator Amy Klobuchar
Senator Edward E. Kaufman
Senator Arlen Specter
Senator Orrin G. Hatch
Senator Charles E. Grassley
Senator Jon Kyl
Senator Lindsey Graham
Senator John Cornyn
Senator Tom Coburn
Adam Abensohn
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1996-97, 1998-99
/s/ Alison Nodvin Barkoff
Alison Nodvin Barkoff
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2000-01
/s/ Julie H. Becker
Julie H. Becker
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1999-2000
/s/ Edward J.W. Blatnik
Edward J. W. Blatnik
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2000-01
/s/ Hannah Y.S. Chanoine
Hannah Shay Chanoine
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2004-05
/s/ Kevin E. Collins
Kevin E. Collins
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2002-03
/s/ Melissa Lynn Elstein
Melissa Lynn Elstein
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1998-99
/s/ Tracy M. Flynn
Tracy M. Flynn
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1994-95
/s/ Kimberly A. Gahan
Kimberly A. Gahan
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2007-08
/s/ Jessica Hertz
Jessica Hertz
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2007-08
/s/ Robin Kar
Robin Kar
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1998-99
/s/ Curtis A. Kin
Curtis A. Kin
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1999-2000
/s/ Andrew B. Ayers
Andrew B. Ayers
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2005-06
/s/ David A. Battat
David A. Battat
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1994-95
/s/ Molly Biklen
Molly Biklen
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2005-06
/s/ Charu A. Chandrasekhar
Charu A. Chandrasekhar
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2004-05
s/ Matthew Colangelo
Matthew Colangelo
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2002-03
/s/ Glenn C. Edwards
Glenn C. Edwards
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1997-98, 2001-02
/s/ Joseph Evall
Joseph Evall
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1992-93
/s/ Cary Franklin
Cary Franklin
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2005-06
/s/ Jeff Grossman
Jeff Grossman
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2000-01
/s/ Kathy J. Holub
Kathy J. Holub
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1995-96
/s/ Mike Kavey
Mike Kavey
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2004-05
/s/ Timothy Lambert
Timothy Lambert
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2000-01
/s/ James R. Levine
James R. Levine
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2001-02
/s/ Julia Tarver Mason
Julia Tarver Mason
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1996-97
/s/ Sarah S. Normand
Sarah S. Normand
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1998-99
/s/ Xavier Romeu-Matta
Xavier Romeu-Matta
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1992-93
/s/ Melissa Murray
Melissa Murray
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2003-04
/s/ David S. Rubenstein
David S. Rubenstein
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2007-08
/s/ Alan E. Schoenfeld
Alan E. Schoenfeld
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2006-07
/s/ Danielle Feldman Tarantolo
Danielle Feldman Tarantolo
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2006-07
/s/ Jeannette Vargas
Jeannette Vargas
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2001-02
/s/ Natalie R. Williams
Natalie R. Williams
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1993-94
/s/ Lisa Zornberg
Lisa Zornberg
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1997-98
/s/ Jack A. Levy
Jack A. Levy
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1999-2000
/s/ Amy Carper Mena
Amy Carper Mena
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2003-04
/s/ Jenny Rivera
Jenny Rivera
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 1993-94
/s/ David Moskowitz
David Moskowitz
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2007-08
/s/ Claude Platton
Claude Platton
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2006-07
s/ Rose Saxe
Rose Saxe
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2002-03
/s/ Robert Spoo
Robert Spoo
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2003-04
/s/ Travis J. Tu
Travis J. Tu
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2003-04
/s/ Brent Wible
Brent Wible
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2005-06
/s/ Kyle C. Wong
Kyle C. Wong
Clerk for Judge Sotomayor, 2006-07
cc:
Senator Herb Kohl
Senator Dianne Feinstein
Senator Russell D. Feingold
Senator Charles E. Schumer
Senator Richard J. Durbin
Senator Benjamin L. Cardin
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
Senator Ron Wyden
Senator Amy Klobuchar
Senator Edward E. Kaufman
Senator Arlen Specter
Senator Orrin G. Hatch
Senator Charles E. Grassley
Senator Jon Kyl
Senator Lindsey Graham
Senator John Cornyn
Senator Tom Coburn