These nominations are nothing short of historic. Considering the high concentration of Asian Americans in California, it seems ridiculous that we've been underrepresented on the federal bench for so long. Here's the press release from APALC and the Asian/Pacific Bar of California:
The Asian/Pacific Bar of California Celebrates the Historic Nominations of Edward Chen, Jacqueline Nguyen, and Dolly Gee to the Federal BenchDolly Gee is managing partner of the Los Angeles law firm Schwartz, Steinsapir, Dohrmann & Sommers LLP. Jacquelyn Nguyen is a Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge. If confirmed, would be the first Asian American women to serve as district court judges in the state of California.
SAN FRANCISCO (August 7, 2009) -- The Asian/Pacific Bar of California (ABC) celebrates today’s historic nominations by President Barack Obama of Federal Magistrate Judge Edward Chen and Los Angeles lawyer Dolly Gee to the United States District Court bench in California. Their nominations follow last week’s equally-historic nomination of Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Jacqueline Nguyen for the position of United States District Judge.
Judge Chen has been nominated as a United States District Judge for the Northern District of California. If confirmed, Judge Chen would become the first Asian American district court judge in the history of the Northern District of California.
Judge Nguyen and Ms. Gee have been nominated as United States District Judges for the Central District of California. If confirmed, Judge Nguyen would become the first Vietnamese American district court judge in the nation. And if confirmed, Ms. Gee would be the first Chinese American female district court judge in the United States. Both Judge Nguyen and Ms. Gee would be the first Asian American women to serve as district court judges in the state of California.
"Today is a proud day for all Asian Americans and a day for historic firsts," said Edwin Prather, President of ABC. "The entire Asian American community stands behind Judge Chen, Judge Nguyen, and Dolly Gee as they seek confirmation in the Senate. ABC will continue our support for these nominees, as well as our work towards advancing more Asian American candidates to the bench on all levels."
Karin Wang, President-Elect of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles, said that "Judges Chen and Nguyen, and Dolly Gee are all exceptionally well-qualified candidates and will make wonderful additions to the district courts in California. This is a wonderful moment for our community."
Camilla Eng, President of the Southern California Chinese Lawyers Association, said that "we are proud of Judge Chen, Judge Nguyen, and Dolly Gee. As always, we look forward to watch them blaze new trails in the federal judiciary."
ABC thanks President Obama for these historic nominations and thanks Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer for their recommendations to the President.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Edward Chen worked as a staff lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union before his judicial appointment. If confirmed, he would be the only Asian American on the Northern District bench.
