NCJW supports Roopali Desai. Here’s why:
As a corporate attorney, Roopali H. Desai practices in the areas of complex litigation, political law, and civil appeals. She is also a leading election lawyer in the state of Arizona, with deep experience in all aspects of election law, including but not limited to ballot measures, referendum, regulatory compliance, recall campaigns, and election challenges. Her expertise on such a broad range of issues would be a benefit to the Ninth Circuit, which oversees about 20% of all cases decided nationwide. In addition, Ms. Desai is a Professor of Practice for the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law and an active volunteer in her community. If confirmed, Ms. Desai would be the first woman of South Asian descent to serve on the Ninth Circuit.
Roopali Desai’s stance on important issues:
Voting Rights:
During the 2020 General Election, Ms. Desai handled more than a dozen cases relating to voting procedures and election results. She represented the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office and defeated numerous cases seeking to challenge the results of Arizona’s election. She has extensive experience representing initiative, referendum, and recall campaigns, and has served as counsel for several successful statewide and local measures. Ms. Desai is skilled in drafting ballot language and preparing initiative and referendum petitions, and in defending and prosecuting various types of pre- and post-election challenges to ballot measures, including seeking injunctive relief.
Criminal Justice:
Ms. Desai helped to craft the 2020 ballot measure Second Chances, Rehabilitation and Public Safety Act and served as legal counsel for the initiative which would have provided an opportunity for non-dangerous offenders to shorten their prison sentences through “earned release credits” based on good behavior and participation in rehabilitation programs; gives judges discretion in sentencing non-dangerous offenders in the interest of justice based on the facts and circumstances of the case, including victims’ statements; and establishes a fund for first responders and victims of violent crimes.
COVID-19:
During the height of the pandemic, Arizona instituted a ban on mask mandates in schools, which Ms. Desai helped overturn. Ms. Desai was influential in the case, ensuring that the ruling made it possible for different organizations and government entities to make decisions that were in the best interest of their community.
Judicial Temperament:
Former Chief of Staff to Governor Doug Ducey Kirk Adams stated that “even when she’s an opponent, she’s fair.” University of Richmond law professor Carl Tobias said of Ms. Desai, “She seems very well qualified. Her litigation experience shows why she could be a fine judge. She’s been in the middle of those kind of critical issues that federal courts resolve.” Representative Kyrsten Sinema shared, “I have known Roopali for over 10 years. In that time, I have seen her deep respect and understanding of the law up close. She is a trusted legal expert highly regarded across the political spectrum in Arizona, known for her integrity and fairness.”
Experience and Pro Bono Work:
After law school, Ms. Desai clerked for Chief Judge Mary Schroeder on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 2005 to 2006. She then was an associate at Lewis & Roca for a year, before transitioning to her current firm, Coopersmith and Brockelman. Currently, Ms. Desai’s clients include large and small businesses, non-profits, and political campaigns and parties. Ms. Desai is legal counsel to Sinema for Arizona, Tom O’Halleran for Congress, Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona, and United Phoenix Fire Fighters Association.
Education and Awards:
Ms. Desai received her JD in 2005, her MPH in 2001, and her BA in 2000, all from the University of Arizona. She was awarded Best Political Lawyer of the Arizona Capitol Times in 2019 and 2021. Further, Ms. Desai was named The Best Lawyers in America© Phoenix Civil Rights Law “Lawyer of the Year” and one of twelve national honorees by USA Today’s 2022 Women of the Year.
Professional Affiliations and Volunteer Experience:
Ms. Desai is a member of the American Law Institute, the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Arizona, the Maricopa County Bar Association, and the American Health Lawyers Association. She is a member and on the advisory board of the National Cannabis Roundtable, a member and on the Board of Directors of Save Our Schools Arizona and the Arizona Center for Law in the Public Interest. She also previously served as a board member for other nonprofits like New Pathways for Youth, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the Committee on Civil Justice Reform. Additionally, Ms. Desai serves on several community boards and volunteers for a local food pantry that feeds hungry families.