Since the current system of appeals courts was formed in 1891, there have been approximately 806 federal appeals court judges. None have been Korean American women.  

On Monday night, this changed. The Senate voted to confirm California Northern District Court Judge Lucy Koh to a lifetime seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and she became the first Korean American woman to ever serve as a federal appeals court judge. She was only the second Korean American federal judge.

Judge Koh is an inspiration. She is the daughter of Korean immigrants.  Her mother escaped North Korea by walking south for two weeks while suffering from yellow fever. Her father fought against the Communists in the Korean War. She graduated from Harvard Law School, worked at the U.S. Justice Department, as a federal prosecutor, and in private practice before her appointment to the county court in 2008.  

Lawyers Club celebrates the appointment of Judge Koh as well as the increased diversity on the bench.