In a significant development, President Joe Biden has put forth the nomination of Adeel A. Mangi for a federal judgeship, marking a historic potential achievement as the first Muslim-American and the initial Pakistani nominee for any US circuit court. Hailing from a distinguished Sindhi family, Mangi is part of a carefully selected group of five nominees for federal judgeships unveiled by the White House.
Mangi’s nomination resonates with the administration’s resolute commitment to diversify the judiciary, with his proposed position being the 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals, headquartered in Philadelphia. This circuit encompasses the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and the Virgin Islands.
Born in Karachi, Mangi attained his Law degree from the University of Oxford in 1998, followed by qualification as a British Barrister at Law in 1999 after attending Lincoln’s Inn and the Inns of Court School of Law in London. Furthering his academic pursuits, he earned his LL.M. from Harvard Law School in 2000. Mangi has since built a distinguished career as a Partner at Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler in New York, specializing in civil litigation and representing diverse clients in intricate, high-stakes cases.
Noteworthy is Mangi’s extensive pro bono service, which includes filing numerous amicus briefs in federal appellate courts and the US Supreme Court on behalf of cross-faith religious coalitions. Among his legal accomplishments is the successful advocacy for Muslim communities seeking to establish and operate mosques.
The White House underscores Mangi’s expertise in handling court filings, highlighting his representation of a multi-faith coalition in a case before the Supreme Court. His nomination assumes heightened significance against the backdrop of escalating Islamophobia and challenges faced by the Muslim community.
President Biden’s advocacy for diversity in judicial appointments, particularly in the context of geopolitical complexities like those in the Middle East, underscores a broader commitment to address concerns within various communities. The confirmation of all five nominees, including Mangi, awaits the scrutiny and approval of the US Senate.
The Sindhi Association of North America (SANA) has warmly welcomed Mangi’s nomination, expressing optimism that it serves as an inspiration for immigrants, affirming that diligent efforts are duly recognized in the United States. Senator Cory Booker, a member of the US Senate’s judiciary committee, lauds the nomination, citing Mangi’s integrity, deep conviction, and unwavering commitment to fairness and equality.
This nomination unfolds two years after the historic confirmation of the first Muslim-American federal judge, Zahid Quraishi, who presently serves on a district court for New Jersey. The confirmation process for Mangi and his peers will unfold in the coming days, reflecting a crucial moment in the pursuit of a more diverse and representative judiciary.
