President Joe Biden has unveiled his intention to nominate Sunil R. Harjani, an Indian American judge, for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. This nomination is part of Biden’s commitment to ensuring diversity in the nation’s courts, reflecting a broad range of personal and professional backgrounds. Harjani, currently a United States Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of Illinois since 2019, brings significant experience to the role.
The announcement, including Harjani and five other nominees, aligns with Biden’s pledge to uphold the rule of law and the Constitution. This marks the 44th round of nominees for federal judicial positions under President Biden, contributing to a total of 215 announced federal judicial nominees, which notably includes several Indian Americans.
Sunil R. Harjani’s legal background encompasses roles such as Assistant US Attorney and Deputy Chief of the Securities and Commodities Fraud Section in the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois (2008-2019). He also engaged in federal civil litigation as a senior counsel at the US Securities & Exchange Commission (2004-2008) and as an associate at Jenner & Block LLP in Chicago (2000-2001, 2002-2004). From 2001 to 2002, Harjani worked as a judicial clerk for Judge Suzanne B. Conlon at the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Educationally, he earned his JD, cum laude, from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law in 2000 and his BA from Northwestern University in 1997. The nomination reflects President Biden’s ongoing efforts to shape a diverse and experienced judiciary.
