The Judicial Legacy of Denny Chin
An exploration of the distinguished career of Judge Denny Chin, from his early life and education to his impactful service on the federal bench, including landmark cases.
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Profile
A Distinguished Jurist
Denny Chin, born Check Kong Chin on April 13, 1954, is a senior United States circuit judge serving on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. His career is marked by significant milestones, including being the first Asian American appointed as a United States District Judge outside of the Ninth Circuit. He immigrated to the United States from Hong Kong in 1956, laying the foundation for a remarkable journey through the American legal system.
Service and Tenure
Judge Chin's federal judicial service commenced with his nomination by President Bill Clinton to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in 1994. Subsequently, President Barack Obama nominated him to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in 2009. He assumed senior status on June 1, 2021, continuing his valuable contributions to the judiciary in a senior capacity.
Academic and Professional Foundations
Educational Journey
Judge Chin's academic path began at Stuyvesant High School, graduating in 1971. He pursued higher education at Princeton University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree magna cum laude in psychology in 1975, where he also contributed significantly to The Daily Princetonian. He further honed his legal acumen at Fordham University School of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctor in 1978 and serving as Managing Editor of the Fordham Law Review. He continues to contribute to legal education as an adjunct professor teaching first-year Legal Writing at Fordham.
Early Legal Practice
Following his legal education, Judge Chin served as a law clerk for Judge Henry Frederick Werker of the Southern District from 1978 to 1980. His early career included roles at the law firm Davis Polk & Wardwell (1980โ1982) and as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District (1982โ1986). He later co-founded a law firm and specialized in labor and employment law, representing employees and unions at Vladeck, Waldman, Elias & Engelhard, P.C. before his judicial appointments.
Ascent to the Federal Bench
District Court Appointment
President Bill Clinton nominated Denny Chin to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on March 24, 1994. Confirmed by the Senate on August 9, 1994, he received his commission the following day. His tenure on the district court concluded on April 26, 2010, following his elevation to the appellate bench.
Court of Appeals Elevation
On October 6, 2009, President Barack Obama nominated Judge Chin to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. The Senate confirmed his nomination on April 22, 2010, filling the vacancy left by Judge Robert D. Sack. He was officially sworn in as a Circuit Judge on April 26, 2010. Judge Chin transitioned to senior status on June 1, 2021, a testament to his extensive service.
Navigating Complex Legal Landscapes: Key Cases
Landmark Rulings
Judge Chin has presided over numerous high-profile cases, demonstrating his capacity to handle matters of significant public interest and legal complexity. His decisions have shaped discourse and precedent across various domains.
Personal Life and Community Engagement
Family and Civic Contributions
Judge Chin is married to Kathy Hirata Chin, a partner at the law firm Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft. Together, they, along with other members of the Asian American Bar Association of New York, annually produce and perform trial reenactments of significant historical cases, such as the trial of Ethel Rosenberg and the Minoru Yasui case. This dedication highlights their commitment to legal history and community engagement.
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References
References
- Fox News Drops Franken Lawsuit, CBS News, August 25, 2003
- Challenge to Google Books Is Declined by Supreme Court New York Times. April 19, 2016.
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Important Notice Regarding Legal Information
This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not be exhaustive, fully up-to-date, or entirely accurate.
This is not legal advice. The information presented here does not constitute professional legal counsel. It is not a substitute for consulting with a qualified legal professional for advice tailored to specific circumstances. Reliance on any information provided on this page is solely at your own risk. The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.