by Jorge Gomez • 5 min read + video
This week, First Liberty attorneys Stephanie Taub, Keisha Russell and Lea Patterson—along with more than 200 elite female attorneys throughout the country—signed and sent a letter to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee expressing their support for the nomination and confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The group includes law firm partners, of counsels, and associates; public-interest lawyers; former law clerks, including Supreme Court law clerks; professors; general counsel and in-house counsel; and current and former government officials and agency heads.
The author of the letter is Allyson Ho, Partner at the global elite firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, and one of the nation’s most accomplished appellate litigators, as well as a long-time network volunteer attorney for First Liberty Institute.
The letter expresses how Judge Barrett has reached the height of the legal profession while remaining true to her calling as a woman of faith, a wife and a mother. It recaps how Judge Barrett’s life and work is an inspiring testament that professional excellence need not come at the cost of faith, family, or friends, and that one’s faith should not somehow disqualify women from serving at the highest levels of our government.
Indeed, Judge Barrett is an inspiration to all lawyers, as she embodies the idea that “there is no conflict between loving God and loving one’s country.” It’s clear that Judge Barrett has lived out that conviction while serving as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, as a respected scholar and mentor to hundreds of law students, and as a mother to seven children and an active member of her community.
Together, this coalition of powerful, professional women is a voice for millions of exceptional female lawyers in America, whose commitment to faith and family helps strengthen their service to their communities and the country.
Watch FLI Senior Counsel, Stephanie Taub appearing recently on FOX News:
Take Action Today: Tell the U.S. Senate to Confirm Amy Coney Barrett NOW!
Confirming Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court is essential to protecting religious liberty.
In addition to her exceptional legal credentials and more than 15 years of work as an elite constitutional scholar, Judge Barrett’s 100+ opinions while on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit indicate that she is a constitutional originalist who will protect our First Freedom.
The last several months of church shutdowns make it clear that the Supreme Court cannot be left with a vacancy in the middle of a pandemic that continues to restrain the religious liberty of millions of Americans and stoke chaos in our streets.
Twice the Supreme Court has been asked to rule on religious liberty restrictions during a pandemic. Twice the Justices have allowed supermarkets and casinos to remain open, but left houses of worship closed.
There is little doubt the justices will be asked to weigh in again, especially if lockdowns continue through 2021 as some suggest. This means it is paramount that we eliminate any possibility of split decisions in such a pivotal moment for our nation.
In order to protect the constitutional rights of churches, houses of worship, faith-based schools and businesses, and the entire religious community, Amy Coney Barrett must be confirmed before the election.
Historical precedent shows that a swift confirmation can be achieved. Eight Justices were nominated and confirmed to fill vacancies that arose during presidential election years.
Right now, you can do YOUR part to help ensure that we fill this Supreme Court vacancy with a Justice who will protect our constitutional freedoms.
SIGN YOUR NAME to First Liberty’s petition urging Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and the U.S. Senators from your state to CONFIRM Judge Barrett to the Supreme Court without delay.