Leading the charge in the historical push for diversity on the federal bench, Attorney General Kwame Raoul, backed by a coalition of 10 other attorneys general, has implored the U.S. Senate to confirm Adeel Mangi to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Getting the nod from President Biden, Mangi, currently a partner at a leading law firm, stands to break new ground as the first Muslim American on a federal appeals court. Illinois Attorney General's office touted his impressive credentials and broad support from the legal community.
Despite a stellar endorsement from the American Bar Association giving him their highest marks for qualifications, Mangi's road to confirmation is marred by prejudice and negative campaigning. Raoul highlighted the "an orchestrated campaign of anti-Muslim bias" against Mangi, including serious but unfounded allegations of antisemitism and anti-law enforcement positions. Amidst a national rise in hostility toward Muslim Americans, these attacks, as maintained by the attorney general, are nothing short of "dangerous" and merit rejection by the Senate.
Mangi's legal career is distinguished by his tenure at Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP, where he has dealt with complex corporate cases and championed the legal causes of those with no voice. The coalition of attorneys general, which includes reps from Colorado to Maine, stresses the candidate's fair-mindedness and commitment to justice for all, framing his potential appointment as a historic moment for diversity and representation in the judiciary.
Challenging the Senate leadership to stand on the right side of history, Raoul's letter implores Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to fairly evaluate Mangi's extensive record. Attacks rooted in bias, as the attorneys general assert, fly in the face of the country's core values and the Senate's duty to uphold them. "Mr. Mangi has repeatedly demonstrated that he possesses the fair-mindedness, commitment to equal justice for all, and temperament befitting of this position," stated the coalition, asking the Senate to act correspondingly.
