WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) today introduced Alexandria resident Patricia Millett at a confirmation hearing in support of her nomination to the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals. In their remarks, both Senators noted Millett’s extensive legal experience and public and community service.

“I recommend the confirmation of Patricia Millett without reservation, and it is a pleasure to speak on behalf of a Virginian with such extensive legal experience and wide, bipartisan support,” Sen. Warner said. “The D.C. Circuit, which has a crucial role through its jurisdiction over federal rulemaking, currently has 3 of its 11 seats vacant.  We can continue working to strengthen the ability of this court to perform its duties through a positive vote in support of the nomination of Patricia Millett.”

“It’s a happy occasion to be here for Patricia Millett. She has had an extensive public career both in the Justice Department with a lengthy tenure at the Solicitor General’s office under presidents of both parties. That sort of bipartisan experience of representing the United States under both Democratic and Republican administrations is a very important thing,” said Sen. Kaine. “We care about courts in Virginia. We proudly claim the greatest jurist in American history, John Marshall, and we want to have judges who have the character and educational and career experience that will enable them to be solid jurists. I know Patricia would carry that out in a wonderful way. I encourage your favorable consideration of her candidacy and favorable consideration on the floor.”

Millett is one of the nation’s leading appellate lawyers and was recently recognized by the National Law Journal as one of the 100 Most Influential Lawyers in America.  Millett has litigated appellate cases extensively, including 32 arguments and scores of briefs in the U.S. Supreme Court, 35 arguments spanning twelve of the federal circuit courts of appeal (including the D.C. Circuit), and four arguments in state appellate courts.  Her cases have spanned the spectrum of legal issues that the D.C. Circuit confronts, including constitutional law, administrative law, civil and criminal procedure, commercial disputes, national security, and civil rights. She currently is a partner, head of the Supreme Court Practice, and co-leader of the National Appellate Practice at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP in Washington, D.C.