The Pakistan-born lawyer has been nominated by United States President Joe Biden to serve as a judge on a federal appeals court, marking the first time a Muslim American would hold such a position. The nomination, subject to approval by the US Senate, is for the US Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit in Philadelphia. Mangi, a Harvard and Oxford-trained lawyer, currently serves as a partner at the law firm Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP. If confirmed, he will be the first Muslim American to serve as a judge on a US appellate court.
Mangi joined Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP in 2000 after graduating from Harvard Law School with an LLM. He holds a First Class Degree in Law from the University of Oxford and is a member of the Honorable Society of Lincoln’s Inn. Currently an Advisory Board member of the Alliance of Families for Justice, Mangi has actively engaged in various legal capacities, including his work with the Muslim Bar Association of New York, the Legal Aid Society of New York, and Muslims for Progressive Values.
Noteworthy accomplishments in Mangi’s legal career include securing the largest jury verdict in the history of the Virginia court system in a theft of trade secrets case within the software industry. He also achieved the largest settlement with New York state in history in cases related to the death of a state prison inmate. Mangi has been an advocate for religious freedom cases and played a crucial role in legal battles involving the Muslim community during the Trump administration. His nomination follows President Biden’s nomination of Zahid N Quraishi two years ago, marking the first Muslim federal judge, who was confirmed for a judgeship in New Jersey.
This nomination comes amid criticism of President Biden from Muslim voters for his stance on the Gaza conflict and concerns over rising Islamophobia. However, the move reflects a broader effort towards diversity and representation within the US judiciary.
