Washington, DC- U.S. Senators Jim Webb and Mark R. Warner today recommended that President Obama nominate 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.

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. Ms. Allen’s exceptional legal practice and public service have been recognized by numerous honors and awards throughout her career.

“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 has 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. Today, she is highly regarded for both her prosecutorial and criminal defense work, and she is the clear choice to recommend to President Obama.”

“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. “She has an excellent reputation in the legal community, and Senator Webb and I are pleased to send her nomination to the White House for consideration by the President.”

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 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.

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