Saluting the Honorable Alison J. Nathan
You know it really is getting better when you watch the remarkable Alison Nathan being sworn in as a judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. On Friday, I attended the formal, but warm ceremony inside the Moynihan Courthouse at Foley Square in New York City.
It was very much a family affair. Ali, her partner Margaret, their twin sons, proud family members with children in tow, friends and former colleagues were all beaming. A federal judge at 40, Ali has already compiled a long list of achievements - federal law clerk, U. S. Supreme Court clerk, law professor, Associate White House Counselor, to name only a few. I have no doubt she will make her mark in this court, compiling a distinguished legal record that will make all Americans proud.
I was privileged to work with Ali years ago when she was in private practice doing pro bono work with SLDN, representing gay and lesbian service members fighting "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) in federal court. Later, when she was in the White House, we would work together again to help repeal DADT.
On Friday, professors, children, clerks, lawyers, paralegals, policemen, politicians, veterans and a Supreme Court justice - along with 30 federal judges - came to salute Ali and wish her well as she takes her seat as an openly proud gay federal judge.
01-22-12 By Aubrey Sarvis, Army Veteran and SLDN Executive Directors |
