Filipino American Lorna G. Schofield of New York has been recommended by
Filipino American Lorna G. Schofield of New York has been recommended by Sen. Charles Schumer to President Barack Obama for appointment as federal district court judge for the Southern District of New York.
Schumer announced the recommendation Monday (Tuesday in Manila).
Obama has nominated a record number of Asian- Americans to the US Senate for history-making posts since he became president in 2008.
The recommendation of Schofield – named one of the nation’s 50 most influential minority lawyers by the National Law Journal in 2008 – was hailed by the head of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus in the 113th US Congress, the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), the Asian American Justice Center (AAJC), and the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA).
Over the years, NAPABA and AAJC have helped in the confirmation of Asian-American appointees through their advocacy.
Congresswoman Judy Chu (D., California) said: “Lorna Schofield is an exceptional candidate whose nomination would be a positive step towards addressing the glaring need for greater diversity in New York’s judiciary.”
She added: “If confirmed, she would make history as the first Filipina American on the federal bench. As chair of Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I want to commend Senator Schumer for recommending Ms. Schofield and working to ensure that our courts become more representative of the populations they serve.”
“If confirmed by the US Senate, she would make history,” said NaFFAA national chair Ed Navarra. “Given that Asian Americans are significantly underrepresented in the federal judiciary, her addition would greatly enhance the judiciary’s diversity.”