News Release

Former National Co-Chair of NACDL's Amicus Curiae Committee Pamela Harris Confirmed by Senate to U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

Washington, DC (July  31, 2014)  – The U.S. Senate on Monday confirmed Professor Pamela Harris, a former national co-chair of NACDL's Amicus Curiae Committee, to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. She had been nominated by President Barack Obama in May. A member of the NACDL from 2004, she also presented at multiple NACDL seminars. Harris, a visiting professor at Georgetown Law Center, previously served as Principal Deputy to the Assistant Attorney General for Office of Legal Policy at the Department of Justice from 2010 to 2012. In addition, she has held the post of Executive Director of the Supreme Court Institute at the Georgetown Law Center and Co-Director of Harvard's Supreme Court and Appellate Advocacy Clinic. Professor Harris was also a partner at the law firm of O'Melveny & Myers. Earlier in her career, Professor Harris taught at University of Pennsylvania Law School. She also served as a law clerk to Justice John Paul Stevens of the United States Supreme Court and Judge Harry T. Edwards of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.

"While NACDL does not take positions on judicial contests or appointments, the Association and its members are extremely proud of Pamela Harris," said NACDL President Jerry J. Cox. "NACDL, its members and its renowned Amicus Curiae program benefited tremendously from Professor Harris's expertise, leadership and dedication. She brings to the Fourth Circuit a breadth of wisdom and experience that is rare and valuable. On behalf of NACDL, I congratulate Professor Harris on this outstanding achievement."

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Contacts

Ivan J. Dominguez, Director of Public Affairs & Communications, (202) 465-7662 or idominguez@nacdl.org.

The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers is the preeminent organization advancing the mission of the criminal defense bar to ensure justice and due process for persons accused of crime or wrongdoing. A professional bar association founded in 1958, NACDL's many thousands of direct members in 28 countries – and 90 state, provincial and local affiliate organizations totaling up to 40,000 attorneys – include private criminal defense lawyers, public defenders, military defense counsel, law professors and judges committed to preserving fairness and promoting a rational and humane criminal legal system.

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