Judicial Nominations Resume at Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing 

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 18, 2023 – Today the Senate Judiciary Committee reconvened for the first time in several weeks to consider nominees to the federal courts. Among them were two who will bring notable professional diversity to the bench. 

Judge Brendan Abell Hurson, nominated to the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, currently serves as a U.S. Magistrate Judge. Before becoming a judge, Hurson built his career serving as a public defender, defending individuals charged with federal felony and misdemeanor offenses in both state and federal court. He has received many accolades for his work as a public defender and has worked to train and mentor others in the field. 

Darrel James Papillion, nominated to the U.S. District for the Eastern District of Louisiana, brings extensive experience both as a plaintiff’s lawyer and law professor. He has notably represented many workers who have suffered personal injuries and advocated to improve workplace protections. He also has represented voters challenging redistricting maps that were malapportioned. He has repeatedly been named one of the Best Lawyers in America. 

Kimberly Humphrey, Legal Director for Federal Courts at Alliance for Justice, issued the following statement: 

“We welcome the Senate’s return and the commitment to continuing to process President Biden’s judicial nominees, particularly those who will bring important professional diversity to the bench. It’s also encouraging to see the committee processing nominees who will fill vacancies in red states. Unfortunately, one nominee was notably missing today: Scott Colom, who is currently being blocked by Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi. If we’re truly going to protect our courts, it’s time to end the blue slip and make sure all qualified nominees receive a speedy hearing and confirmation. There’s still too much progress to make to allow the misuse of the blue slip tradition, which primarily serves Senate Republicans’ goal of obstructing nominees committed to equal justice for all.”