Edward M. Chen is a prominent attorney whose legal career has been marked by his dedication to civil rights and his work in the federal judiciary. After earning his law degree from Harvard Law School, Chen began his career in private practice before joining the U.S. Department of Justice, where he worked on civil rights cases, focusing on issues such as discrimination and voting rights. His work in the Department of Justice was notable for his efforts to hold institutions accountable for violations of civil rights and to ensure that marginalized communities received equal protection under the law. Chen’s early career in civil rights litigation laid the foundation for his later success as a federal judge.
In 2011, President Barack Obama nominated Edward M. Chen to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, making him the first Asian American judge on that court. As a judge, Chen has continued to advocate for fairness, equality, and justice, particularly in cases involving civil liberties and discrimination. Known for his careful and reasoned approach to the law, he has ruled on a wide range of cases, from issues of employment discrimination to government surveillance practices. His work has solidified his reputation as a judge deeply committed to upholding the rights of individuals and ensuring that the legal system works impartially for all people, regardless of their background or identity.