Kenly Kiya Kato, a former federal public defender and magistrate judge, was recently confirmed to serve on the US district court based in Los Angeles. The confirmation, which occurred on November 7, 2023, happened almost two years after her nomination by President Joe Biden. The confirmation vote passed 51-46 along party lines, without Republican support in the Democratic-led Senate.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, 51-year-old Kato is the child of Japanese American parents detained during World War II. This family history made a profound impact on Kato, impressing upon her the vital importance of securing constitutional rights for everybody.
Kato brings to the bench a rich legacy of public service. Her record as a federal public defender and magistrate judge stands in testament to her commitment to the fair administration of justice. Given the Central District of California’s high caseload, Kato’s appointment comes at a critical time for the court.
To learn more about her confirmation, navigate to Bloomberg Law for a detailed report.