Biden Nominates UA Grad Roopali Desai For Circuit Court Judge

WASHINGTON DC —President Joe Biden announced Wednesday that he has nominated Roopali Desai, a partner at Phoenix-based Coopersmith and Brockelman, to be a United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit.

Desai's nomination has been sent to the Senate. If confirmed, she will replace the retiring Andrew David Hurwitz.

According to her profile on the Coopersmith and Brockelman website, Desai has obtained significant victories in the areas of voting rights, public education, public health, criminal justice reform and government transparency.

During the 2020 General Election, Desai handled more than a dozen cases relating to voting procedures and election results. Representing the Arizona Secretary of State's Office, Desai defeated numerous cases seeking to challenge the results of Arizona's election.

Desai was named as one of 12 national honorees by USA Today for the 2022 Woman of the Year.

According to her profile, Desai served as legal council for one of Sen. Kyrsten Sinema's political campaigns. Sinema, a Democrat, praised Desai after the nomination was announced.

"I have known Roopali for over 10 years. In that time, I have seen her deep respect and understanding of the law up close," Sinema said in a statement. "(Desai) is a trusted legal expert highly regarded across the political spectrum in Arizona, known for her integrity and fairness. I am confident she will continue that legacy on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. I appreciate the White House for working with me to advance her nomination."

Sen. Mark Kelly, a Democrat, called Desai a respected and well-regarded legal expert in Arizona.

"I congratulate her on this historic nomination and appreciate the administration's process to elevate talented and experienced Arizonans to the federal bench," Kelly said.

The Ninth Circuit includes 15 federal judicial districts in the western U.S., including: Arizona, four districts in California, two districts in Washington, Oregon, Hawaii and Guam.

Desai served as a law clerk for Chief Judge Mary Schroeder on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 2005 to 2006.

Desai received her B.A., M.P.H and J.D. from the University of Arizona, and she currently is a Professor of Practice for the University of Arizona's James E. Rogers College of Law.