Keep on Swinging!

Judge Andre Birotte, U.S. District Court Judge for the Central District of California, charmed the 40+ TLA members and guests during the April 7, 2021 Tufts Judicial Series virtual event.  He was candid, energetic, and inspirational with his comments and advice to TLA members.  I am sure I am not the only one who was proud to call him a fellow Jumbo!  

TLA moderators, Lori Liu and Soo Park, asked Judge Birotte a wide range of questions from his time at Tufts, his decision to venture across the country to attend law school in California (from New Jersey after Tufts), his first positions in private practice, his service as a defense lawyer, U.S. Attorney, inspector general, and finally as a U.S. District Court Judge.  Judge Birotte brought both humor and seriousness to his answers for a memorable program.  

Just a few takeaways for me included:

• Importance of different backgrounds to serve in all aspects of the judicial branch of government.  Judge Birotte expressed his strong belief that it is important to have as many different backgrounds and perspectives serving in all positions of the judicial system -- judges, prosecutors, public defense attorneys.This includes representation in all aspects including gender, race, and other experiences.  He said judgment is critical in the criminal justice system and having the divergent perspectives aids in the best outcome.  He noted that there is recent discussion from President Biden that in his judicial appointments he is looking to diversify the federal judiciary and, in so explaining what he meant, he identified considering federal public defenders (which are unrepresented on the bench at present).   
• Criminal sentencing.  Judge Birotte expressed the sense of responsibility he feels when he issues a criminal sentence. That is one of the most challenging parts of being a Judge.  
• Developing skills of junior attorneys.  Judge Birotte explained he has a standing order whereby oral argument will be granted to parties if counsel commits to having a more junior attorney argue a motion before him.  This is to encourage opportunities for younger and junior attorneys.  He also talked about the strong bond he has with his externs and clerks.  He encouraged those interested in clerkships to "spread the net widely" and be flexible regarding locations to obtain the clerkship experience.  
  

Finally, throughout his remarks, one theme was to keep on swinging for opportunities.  Judge Birotte expressed all attorneys should be deliberate about seeking out opportunities and to be energetic and purposeful about making it known that you are available to assist.  Judge Birotte's work ethic produced the success story of his diverse and interesting career path.  Thank you to Judge Birotte for sharing your story with us.  

If you missed the April 7 program, we recorded it and it will be available in a few weeks.  I will post it on this website for all to view.  

Tom Dunn, A00

TLA President

rtdunn@PierceAtwood.com