Hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee - Judicial Nomination
Statement
Mr. Chairman, I am extremely pleased to support the nomination of Lorna Schofield to the federal bench in the Southern District of New York.
I have had the privilege to recommend a number of truly outstanding nominees to become judges in New York, and Ms. Schofield is no different. She is the embodiment of the three qualities I always search for in a judge: excellence, moderation, and diversity.
First, excellence: her professional resume puts her right at the top of her field. She went to Indiana University for her undergraduate studies, and then came to New York to study law at one of the nation's best schools, NYU Law School, where she graduated as one of the top 15 students in her class. She went on to serve the public as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York, and then to join the top law firm of Debevoise and Plimpton, where she's been in private practice for nearly 25 years. As a general litigator, she's tried a wide array of cases, and her professional accomplishments and accolades are numerous, including serving as the head of the largest section of the American Bar Association.
Second, moderation: when I met with Ms. Schofield, I was struck by the fact that she has one, singular agenda -- the preservation of the rule of law. Indeed, her professional work has not been devoted to any particular policy pursuits, but rather to the general improvement of the legal world. Evidence of her moderation can be found in the support she has across the political spectrum -- both Democrats and Republicans have called me to tell me what a great judge she'd make.
Finally, diversity: Ms. Schofield's personal background and life experience will help broaden the perspective of the federal bench. Most notably, if confirmed, she will be the first Filipina judge (man or woman) to sit on the federal bench.
In conclusion, I believe Ms. Schofield will make a terrific judge, and I look forward to her speedy confirmation.
Source