President Biden Nominates First Muslim Judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals
Judge Adeel Mangi appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, succeeding Joseph Greenaway
Adeel A. Mangi was nominated by President Joe Biden today to be a judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Mangi will be the country's first Muslim judge of the federal appellate court.
Adeel A. Mangi is a partner at Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler, New York, and has lived in North Jersey for over 20 years. He is expected to succeed Judge Joseph Greenaway, Jr., who announced his retirement plans in June.
Mangi served on the boards of Muslims for Progressive Values, the Muslim Bar Association of New York, and the Legal Aid Society of New York. He is also an ally board member of the National LGBT Bar Association.
Adeel Mangi's selection to the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals validates Joe Biden's intention of prioritizing professional diversity when appointing judicial officials.
In the past, Mangi collaborated on a federal religious discrimination lawsuit where he worked pro bono alongside the litigation team at his company.
The lawsuit accused the township of New Jersey of rejecting a long-running proposal to construct a mosque, citing discrimination against the Muslim population by giving in to anti-Muslim sentiment in the area.
“These are cases that are so fundamental, and we're not just standing up for our community,” Mangi stated. “They protect our most cherished and fundamental constitutional values, as well as our national identity and character.”
In the end, a $3.25 million settlement was reached between the parties. Mangi's legal fees were donated to several charitable organizations, one of which was a scholarship fund for Muslim law students. After the municipality turned down his request to build a mosque in that city, Mangi filed a lawsuit. In the end, he obtained a permit and a settlement of $400,000.
Mangi's handling of court filings at state and federal appellate courts was emphasized by the White House on Wednesday. Mangi's nomination comes on the cusp of Biden's declining poll numbers among Muslim voters due to backlash over his handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. With many expressing their frustration with Biden over his unwavering support of Israel.
