Today, the RNLA released a statement praising the nomination of D.C. Circuit Court Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the United States Supreme Court:
This evening, President Donald J. Trump announced his nominee for the vacancy on the United States Supreme Court is Judge Brett Kavanaugh of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The Republican National Lawyers Association (RNLA) strongly supports Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination and applauds President Trump for his excellent choice.
RNLA President Elliot Berke, who knows Judge Kavanaugh from his days working for Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr said: “Judge Kavanaugh is a no-nonsense, down-to-earth jurist who will make an excellent Supreme Court Justice. He is a constitutionalist who understands first principles and separation of powers. I have been especially appreciative of his views on the Speech or Debate clause given the work I do to protect congressional prerogatives.”
It is vital that Supreme Court justices be excellent lawyers with immense respect for the rule of law, a deep understanding of the separation of powers and federalism, and reverence for the Constitution. Judge Kavanaugh embodies all of these qualities, in addition to possessing a demonstrated judicial temperament.
Judge Kavanaugh is extremely well qualified to serve as a Supreme Court justice. He has served admirably on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals since 2006, where he has decided hundreds of cases on important, complex legal questions with national implications, like those regularly considered by the Supreme Court. After graduating from Yale College in 1987 and Yale Law School in 1990, Kavanaugh spent two years as a law clerk, for Judge Walter Stapleton of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and Judge Alex Kozinski of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. He followed a one-year fellowship in the office of U.S. Solicitor General Kenneth Starr with a clerkship for Justice Anthony Kennedy during October Term 1993. Judge Kavanaugh went on to join Starr at the Office of the Independent Counsel. Judge Kavanaugh was later a partner at the law firm Kirkland & Ellis, where he specialized in appellate law. He moved to the White House after President George W. Bush was elected and worked in the West Wing for five years, first as a counsel to the President and then as staff secretary to the President.
Throughout his distinguished career, Judge Kavanaugh has proven his legal skills, deference to legislative processes, and respect for individual rights contained in the Constitution. Judge Kavanaugh is also active in his community, volunteering at local charities, coaching youth basketball teams, and serving with local non-profit organizations. Judge Kavanaugh will be an outstanding justice who will serve the American people and promote the rule of law.
"During the Bush Administration many of us had an opportunity to work with Judge Kavanaugh. We found him to be diligent, intelligent and restrained. He will make a fine Justice on the Supreme Court who will respect and uphold the rule of law,” said Michael Thielen, RNLA Executive Director.
RNLA Vice President for Communications Harmeet Dhillon agreed: “Just as he did when he selected Neil Gorsuch, President Trump is delivering on his promise he made to the American people to appoint judges who are fair and independent, committed to upholding the Constitution. Judge Kavanaugh is the personification of his promise.”
The entire press release can be viewed and downloaded here.