Appointments/Elections

Fitzgerald and Nathan Nominated to U.S. District Court

October 5, 2011 — The United States Senate confirmed the nomination of Mark Walter Fitzgerald to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

On July 20, 2011, the White House Press Office released this presidential statement:

“I am honored to nominate Michael Walter Fitzgerald to the United States District Court,” President Obama said. “His impressive career stands as a testament to his formidable intellect and integrity. I am confident he will serve the people of California with distinction on the District Court bench.”

The press release added that “Michael Walter Fitzgerald has been a named partner at the law firm of Corbin, Fitzgerald & Athey LLP in Los Angeles, California since 1998, where he handles civil and criminal litigation in both federal and state courts.”

October 13, 2011 — The United States Senate confirmed the nomination of Alison J. Nathan to serve on the U. S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Human Rights Campaign Fund President Joe Solmonese issued this statement:

“We commend the Senate for their important vote today, confirming Alison Nathan to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Ms. Nathan’s demonstrated intellect and dedication to public service is a model of achievement. She will join Judges Deborah Batts and Paul Oetken in the Southern District of New York as the only openly lesbian or gay federal judges. We look forward to the day when the makeup of the entire federal bench truly represents the diverse American public.”

On March 31, 2011, the White House Press Office released the following presidential statement regarding Nathan:

“Alison Nathan is a distinguished individual who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice throughout her career,” said President Obama. “I am grateful for her decision to serve the American people from the District Court bench.”

The press release noted that “Alison J. Nathan currently serves in the Office of the Attorney General of the State of New York as Special Counsel to the Solicitor General, a position she has held since 2010. From 2009 to 2010, Nathan served as a Special Assistant to President Obama and an Associate White House Counsel.”

On July 18, 2011, the Honorable J. Paul Oetken was confirmed by the United States Senate to serve on the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. 

The Honorable Deborah A. Batts has been a member of the United States District Court for the Southern District Court of New York since June 1994, following her confirmation on May 6, 1994.