Priorities
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Senators Jim Webb and Mark Warner applauded the Senate’s unanimous vote today to confirm Arenda L. Wright Allen of Norfolk to serve as a U.S. District Judge for the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Virginia. The two Senators recommended Wright Allen’s appointment to the White House in June 2010.
Arenda L. Wright Allen is a federal Public Defender in Norfolk and also served as an Assistant United States Attorney. She has substantial experience in both prosecution and defense practice while serving in these capacities and as a Naval JAG officer.
“Senator Warner and I recommended Arenda Wright Allen to serve on the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Virginia based on her exceptional qualifications and impressive record in the Norfolk community,” said Senator Webb. “She not only received the highest ratings from Virginia’s bar associations, but she has a wide breadth of experience, starting with her service as a JAG officer in the Navy. She is highly regarded for both her prosecutorial and criminal defense work.”
“Wright Allen has an impressive record of public service in the JAG Corps, as an assistant federal prosecutor in Roanoke and Norfolk, and now as an assistant federal public defender,” said Senator Warner. “I applaud her willingness to serve, and congratulate her on her successful and historic confirmation today.”
Senators Webb and Warner worked together to conduct an open, extensive search to identify highly qualified Virginians for the vacancy. The senators solicited recommendations from the leading Virginia bar associations and conducted personal interviews with several potential candidates.
Wright Allen’s exceptional legal practice and public service have been recognized by numerous honors and awards throughout her career. She is a graduate of North Carolina Central University, School of Law (J.D.) 1985; Kutztown State College, Kutztown, PA (B.A.) 1982; She also attended Jacksonville University, Jacksonville FL 1978 – 1979.
