Sen. Schumer’s recommendation could be first openly gay federal court nominee

Daniel Alter

New York City, Feb. 9, 2010 – Yesterday Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced his recommendation to President Obama for a judge in the Southern District of New York federal court. His choice, Daniel Alter, would make history as the first openly gay male nominated for the federal court.

“Daniel Alter couldn’t be a more perfect choice,’ says Schumer. “He is a brilliant attorney who possesses the knowledge, balanced views and temperament required of a federal judge. His outstanding leadership skills, his commitment to justice, and his extensive experience make him an exceptional choice for a position on the federal bench.”  

Alter graduated from Columbia College and Yale Law School. He began his career as a clerk for two federal judges, John M. Walker and Guido Calabresi, who both served on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Alter served for six years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, where he specialized in first amendment issues and quickly became an in-house expert on terrorism. He worked on al Qaeda cases and joined the prosecution team for the African embassy bombing trials. Alter is also a strong advocate for civil rights, serving as the National Director of the Civil Rights Division of the Anti-Defamation League. He led the ADL’s charge against hate crimes at home and abroad.

Schumer adds, “I’m proud to nominate Daniel Alter. Period.  But I am equally proud to nominate him because he is a history-maker who will be the first openly gay male judge in American history. I strive to appoint those with three qualities: excellence, moderation and diversity, and Mr. Alter fits that prescription to a ‘T’.”