Born: 1961 (Chicago, United States)
Biography:
Pamela Ki Mai Chen was born on March 30, 1961, in Chicago, United States. She is a highly esteemed United States district judge, currently serving on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Known for her dedication to ensuring justice and upholding civil rights, Chen has left a profound impact on the legal system.
In 1983, Chen earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan. Recognizing her passion for law, she enrolled in Georgetown University Law Center, where she attained her Juris Doctorate in 1986. Armed with a solid legal education, Chen embarked on a remarkable career that would see her fight for justice and equality.
From 1986 to 1989, Chen began her legal career at the prestigious law firm of Arnold & Porter in Washington, D.C. Seeking more diverse experiences, she transitioned to the criminal defense law firm of Asbill, Junkin, Myers & Buffone, where she worked until 1991. During these initial years, Chen honed her skills as an attorney, building a strong foundation that would shape her future successes.
In 1991, Chen embarked on a new chapter in her career as a trial attorney in the Special Litigation Section of the Civil Rights Division at the United States Department of Justice. For seven years, she fearlessly fought for the rights of marginalized individuals and communities, never wavering in her dedication to justice. Chen’s commitment to ensuring equality and protecting civil rights propelled her to become an assistant United States attorney in the Eastern District of New York in 1998.
Throughout her time as an assistant United States attorney, Chen held numerous leadership positions, showcasing her exceptional legal skills and leadership abilities. She served as the chief of the civil rights section and deputy chief of the public integrity section. Her unwavering commitment to justice and her strong work ethic consistently earned praise and respect from colleagues and superiors alike.
Chen briefly left the United States Attorney’s office in 2008 when she was appointed as the deputy commissioner for enforcement for the New York State Division of Human Rights. This role allowed her to delve into civil rights from a different perspective, further enriching her understanding of the complexities involved in achieving social justice.
On August 2, 2012, President Barack Obama nominated Chen to serve as a United States district judge for the Eastern District of New York. Her nomination was highly anticipated and supported by Senator Chuck Schumer. Following a hearing on her nomination by the Senate Judiciary Committee on September 19, 2012, her nomination was reported to the floor on December 6, 2012, and was later returned to the President on January 2, 2013, due to the sine die adjournment of the Senate.
However, Chen’s nomination was swiftly reestablished on January 3, 2013. After being reported by the Senate Judiciary Committee on February 14, 2013, Chen’s nomination was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on March 4, 2013. The following day, she received her commission as a United States district judge, a pivotal achievement in her career.
Chen’s historic appointment as a federal judge signifies her remarkable contributions to the legal landscape. As the first openly LGBTQ+ Asian-American person to serve on the federal bench, she has shattered barriers and paved the way for others to follow. Her appointment exemplifies the significance of diversity and representation within the justice system, inspiring generations to come.