Takoma Park resident Nicole Berner was confirmed by the U.S. Senate Tuesday to become a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals, which covers Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Berner is the first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve on this court.
During the confirmation hearing, U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen praised Berner’s commitment “to justice, to fairness and to service.”
She is general counsel to the Service Employees International Union, representing the union’s more than two million members for more than 15 years, Van Hollen said.
Berner has appeared before the U.S. Supreme Court and has worked on labor and employment, criminal, voting rights, bankruptcy and immigration laws, he noted. She also was a staff attorney for Planned Parenthood and is an adjunct professor at Vanderbilt University.
“The civil rights community celebrates Nicole Berner’s historic confirmation,” said Maya Wiley, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights in a news release.
“Berner is a brilliant lawyer who has defended and advanced our civil and human rights, including the rights of working people, reproductive rights, and the rights of LGBTQ people. Her commitment to equal justice is evidenced throughout her life and legal career,” Wiley wrote.
Wiley praised “the demographic and professional diversity she brings to the bench,” which she said, “is woefully underrepresented on our federal courts.”
Fatima Goss Graves, president and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center, said, “Berner is an outstanding lawyer with expertise in civil, labor, and reproductive rights who is deeply committed to ensuring equal justice for everyone.”
Berner was nominated by President Joe Biden.
History made: Today the Senate confirmed Nicole Berner to serve as a judge on the 4th Circuit!
Nicole's been a voice for the voiceless throughout her career—advocating for working people & equal justice at every turn. As I said on the Senate floor, she'll make a terrific judge: pic.twitter.com/qr7qme7pKX
— Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) March 20, 2024
🎉 Today marks a historic moment! Nicole Berner's confirmation to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit is a testament to her dedication to justice. Her diverse perspective will be invaluable as we fight for equal rights & dignity for all workers. Well done, Nicole! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/93VKSZGIXy
— SEIU (@SEIU) March 19, 2024
