CAPAC Members Applaud Senate Confirmation of Amit Priyavadan Mehta
Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, the U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed Amit Priyavadan Mehta as the new judge for the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements:
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:
“I congratulate Amit Priyavadan Mehta on his confirmation to the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Having worked as a criminal and civil defense attorney in the public and private sectors, Mr. Mehta has proven himself to be a dedicated attorney with a deep respect for the law. I applaud President Obama for his commitment to diversifying the judiciary, and the Senate for its leadership on this confirmation.”
Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus:
“I applaud the confirmation of Amit Priyavadan Mehta as a federal judge to the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. As a vastly experienced attorney who has represented a broad range of clients as both plaintiffs and defendants, he will bring an important perspective to the federal bench. Mr. Mehta’s confirmation makes him the first Asian Pacific American in this position. His confirmation is not only important for our community, but also serves to strengthen our nation’s justice system.”
Congressman Ami Bera (CA-07):
“I applaud the Senate for confirming Amit Priyavadan Mehta as a new judge for the U.S. District Court of D.C. His experiences as a public defender, as a clerk in the U.S. Court of Appeals, and as a practicing attorney have prepared him well for this new role.”
Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02):
“Congratulations to Amit Priyavadan Mehta upon being confirmed to serve as the new judge for the U.S. District Court for Washington, DC. I wish him the very best in this new capacity.”
Background:
Since 2010, Amit Priyavadan Mehta has been a partner at Zuckerman Spaeder LLP where he represents clients in civil and criminal matters before state and federal courts. Prior to this position, he served as a Staff Attorney for the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia, a Law Clerk for Judge Susan P. Graber of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and as an Associate at Latham & Watkins LLP. He received his J.D. in 1997 from the University of Virginia School of Law and his B.A. in 1993 from Georgetown University.
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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.