Judges who serve in lifetime seats on the federal courts make decisions that impact women, children, and families. From the schools we can attend to whom we can marry, federal judges impact every aspect of our lives.

Our courts, by the numbers

(as of May 1, 2021)

74%

of all sitting judges are white…

51%

of the population are women…

43%

of people living in America are people of color…

Federal courts should reflect the communities they serve. Bringing diverse experiences and perspectives to the bench allows judges to make better-informed decisions, in addition to increasing public confidence in their rulings.

Because #CourtsMatter, NCJW believes all federal judges must be:

Fair

Do they respect equality and justice for all and understand the impact of the law on everyone?

Independent

Are they impartial, nonpartisan, and not influenced by outside parties or interests?

Qualified

Have they been objectively assessed for their experience, competence, principles, and temperament?

...and the diversity of the federal bench should reflect our society

I want federal judges who are fair, independent, and qualified.

Why Do Courts Matter?

This video was created by Civic Nebraska and Courts Matter Nebraska.

Meet a Federal Judicial Nominee

Judge Embry J. Kidd

Nominated for a Lifetime Position to:

United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit

NCJW supports Judge Embry J. Kidd. Here’s why: Embry J. Kidd is a magistrate judge of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Judge Kidd is an immensely qualified candidate with more than a decade of experience in private practice as well as time as a federal judge and Assistant US … Continued

Fair? Yes

Independent? Yes

Qualified? Yes

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Judge Nancy Maldonado

Nominated for a Lifetime Position to:

United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit

NCJW supports Judge Nancy Maldonado. Here’s why: Judge Nancy Maldonado was born in Illinois to parents who migrated from Puerto Rico. Currently a judge on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Judge Maldonado has dedicated her career to advancing the cause of equal justice for all. Prior to her confirmation … Continued

Fair? Yes

Independent? Yes

Qualified? Yes

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Amir Ali

Nominated for a Lifetime Position to:

United States District Court for the District of Columbia

NCJW supports Amir Ali to the United States District Court for the District of Columbia

NCJW supports Amir Ali. Here’s why: Amir Ali is an acclaimed civil rights lawyer with outstanding qualifications. He has dedicated his career to protecting the rights of all people regardless of race, religion, or background. As President and Executive Director of the MacArthur Justice Center, he has led litigation on several important religious liberty cases … Continued

Fair? Yes

Independent? Yes

Qualified? Yes

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Adeel A. Mangi

Nominated for a Lifetime Position to:

United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

NCJW supports Adeel A. Mangi. Here’s why: Adeel A. Mangi is a preeminent lawyer who has secured landmark legal victories throughout his career. As a partner at Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP, Mr. Mangi has also devoted thousands of hours to pro bono service, filing numerous amicus briefs in the federal appellate courts and … Continued

Fair? Yes

Independent? Yes

Qualified? Yes

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Nicole Berner

Nominated for a Lifetime Position to:

United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

NCJW supports Nicole Berner. Here’s why: Nicole Berner is an accomplished labor lawyer who has dedicated her legal career, spanning two decades, to representing working people and their communities to obtain economic and racial justice, access to health care, and gender and LGBTQ equality. Ms. Berner currently serves as General Counsel of the Service Employees … Continued

Fair? Yes

Independent? Yes

Qualified? Yes

Learn More