Hispanic Bar Lauds Confirmation Of Female Judge

WASHINGTON -  The Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) applauded the Senate confirmation of the Honorable Mary H. Murguia to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Diana S. Sen, National President of the Hispanic National Bar Assocation (HNBA), noted that “The HNBA is thrilled that Judge Murguia has been confirmed and looks forward to her work on the U.S. Court of Appeals.  Her compelling personal history and accomplished career make her a role model for the Association.  Her exceptional record and her commitment to public service will make her an excellent Judge on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.”
Judge Murguia attended the University of Kansas, where she received both a B.A. and a B.S., and later a law degree. She has devoted her entire career to public service, including serving as Assistant District Attorney in the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office, which serves Kansas City, Kansas.  She then served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Arizona.

In 1994, Judge Murguia was appointed Criminal Deputy Chief in charge of the Violent Crime Section in the District of Arizona.  There, she handled a significant caseload, trained attorneys, supervised the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force, and was responsible for consulting and staffing major prosecutions, including areas such as domestic terrorism, capital murder, civil rights, the Violence Against Women Act, the Child Support Recovery Act, and gang and juvenile matters.

In 1998, she joined the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, where she became Director in 1999.  In 2000, she became the first Latina federal judge in Arizona.