Chief Judge Murguia on 9th Cir. operations

"We've learned a lot about appearing by video."

Today's DJ reports on yesterday's BASF Appellate Section program with 9th Circuit Chief Judge Mary Murguia in Remote hearings might be new normal, circuit chief says.

• An appointee of President Barack Obama in 2011, Murguia - a Kansas native based in Phoenix - is considered a moderate liberal who will lead a court divided between 16 judges appointed by Democratic presidents and 13 chosen by Republicans.
• As chief judge for the next seven years, Murguia will have considerable administrative responsibilities.
• In her capacity as chief judge, which she became as the most senior judge on the 9th Circuit below the age of 65, Murguia will sit on every en banc panel. She discussed her background, in which the Latina grew up in a working-class neighborhood in Kansas City. Her father worked at a steel mill and spent time in Mexico as a child. Her mother was born there.
• the appellate court is moving back to normal as it gradually tries to resume normal operations during COVID-19. ... "Most judges are going to the court" ... That will mean more attorneys will be attending 9th Circuit oral arguments in person, although Murguia said virtual appearances will still be permitted pending further consideration.

In other SoCal 9th Circuit news, UCI's Moot Court Finals on April 1 at 3:30 will feature a final judging panel consisting of 9th Circuit Judges Paez and Rawlinson, and 6th Circuit Judge Bernice Donald.

Register to watch here.