Pakistani American nominated as Federal Judge by Obama
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WASHINGTON: (APP) President Barack Obama nominated a Muslim American of Pakistani descent, Abid Riaz Qureshi, to serve as a federal judge, according to an announcement by the White House.
"I am pleased to nominate Mr. Qureshi to serve on the United States District Court bench," said President Obama. "I am confident he will serve the American people with integrity and a steadfast commitment to justice."
Qureshi is the first Muslim to be nominated for the coveted post. His nomination has been sent to the US Senate for endorsement and approval.
Qureshi is a partner in the Washington, D.C. office of Latham & Watkins LLP, where he specializes in cases involving the False Claims Act, health care fraud, and securities violations.
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Qureshi has spent the entirety of his legal career at Latham & Watkins LLP, where he currently serves as the Global Chair of the firm's Pro Bono Committee, a position he has held since 2012.
From 2006 to 2011, he served as Co-Chair of the Litigation Department in the Washington, D.C. office. Qureshi has also served on the District of Columbia Bar Association's Legal Ethics Committee since 2015.
He received his J.D. cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1997 and his B.A. summa cum laude from Cornell University in 1993.
Qureshi lives in the state of Maryland and, if approved by the Congress, will replace Judge Rosemary M. Collyer, retired.
According to the official web site of Latham & Watkins, Qureshi is an experienced trial lawyer who has served as lead counsel in numerous trials before federal and state courts throughout the country.
He has represented clients in state and federal courts (at the district and appellate levels), national and international arbitral tribunals and before state and federal regulators.
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In addition to his commercial litigation experience, Qureshi has substantial experience handling internal corporate investigations, governmental inquiries and regulatory proceedings.
He has particular facility with managing large multi-faceted investigations on behalf of international companies.
He is recognized in the 2014 Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers list which recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves in their legal practice.
Qureshi's appointment comes at a time when Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump has created strong anti-Islam sentiments in parts of the country throughout his presidential campaign. The appointment is likely to be hailed by the Muslim community.