WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (AL-7) released the following statement today in response to the announcement by President Barack Obama that he has nominated U.S. District Judge Abdul Kallon of Alabama to fill a vacancy on the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit:

“I enthusiastically express my support for the nomination of Judge Abdul Kallon by President Obama for the United States Court of the Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. Since 2009 Judge Kallon has served with distinction on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama and his elevation to the Eleventh Circuit will continue the tradition of excellence and commitment to justice established by such distinguished Alabama jurists such as Judge Frank Johnson."

“President Obama saw in Judge Kallon the same qualities of integrity, judicial temperament, collegiality, and keen intellect that has earned him the respect and admiration of his judicial colleagues, attorneys who appeared before his court, and members of the Alabama bar. In nominating Judge Kallon for elevation to the appellate court, President Obama has selected a jurist of impeccable credentials who was rated ‘well-qualified’ by the American Bar Association."

“If confirmed, Judge Kallon would become the first African American jurist from Alabama to serve on the United States Court of the Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. Equally important, the speedy confirmation of Judge Kallon will ensure that Alabama is fairly represented on the court and will fill a two-year vacancy on the Eleventh Circuit that as has created a case backlog that has been deemed a ‘judicial emergency’ by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts."

“I strongly urge Senator Shelby and Senator Sessions of Alabama to support the confirmation of Judge Kallon to the United States Court of the Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. The selection of this nation’s federal judges should not be a partisan issue, but rather we all benefit when candidates are considered based on their qualification, abilities, and character. For the same reasons they supported Judge Kallon’s confirmation in 2009, the Alabama senators should once again support this highly qualified jurist whose integrity, brilliance and judicial temperament has earned him the praise and respect of his judicial colleagues and members of the Alabama bar. Without a doubt, Judge Kallon will make Alabama and this nation proud for entrusting him with this important judicial responsibility.”

About Judge Kallon: Judge Kallon is a graduate of Dartmouth College and earned his J.D. from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1993. After law school he clerked for Judge U.W. Clemon of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. Prior to his ascension to the bench, Judge Kallon was a partner in the Birmingham law firm of Bradley, Arant, Boult & Cummings where he specialized in employment and labor law.

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