Born in Gujarat and raised near Kansas City, Missouri, Upadhyaya’s journey to becoming a United States Magistrate Judge is an impressive one
Indian-American Judge Moxila A Upadhyaya made history when she presided over the appearance of former US President Donald Trump in a federal courthouse in downtown Washington DC. Born in Gujarat and raised near Kansas City, Missouri, Upadhyaya’s journey to becoming a United States Magistrate Judge is an impressive one, reported PTI.
Her academic achievements include a Bachelor of Journalism, magna cum laude, from the Missouri School of Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts with honors in Latin from the University of Missouri. She further pursued her legal education and earned a JD, cum laude, from the American University, Washington College of Law, where she excelled in trial work representing clients in the Criminal Justice Clinic and was a distinguished member of the Administrative Law Review.
After law school, Upadhyaya served as a law clerk to Eric T Washington, the former Chief Judge of the DC Court of Appeals, for a two-year term. She then joined Venable LLP’s Washington, DC office, where she specialized in complex commercial and administrative litigation. During her time at Venable, she also actively engaged in pro bono work, passionately representing indigent clients in post-conviction proceedings, including cases involving the DC Innocence Protection Act and the DC Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act.
For her dedication and outstanding work in this capacity, Judge Upadhyaya received the Defender of Innocence Award from the Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project in 2009 and was named Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year by Venable in 2006.
- Her appointment as a United States Magistrate Judge marked a significant milestone for the Indian-American community and showcased her dedication to upholding the law and ensuring justice for all
- With her extensive legal experience and impressive track record in pro bono work, Judge Upadhyaya continues to make a positive impact on the legal system and the lives of those she serves
In 2011-12, she had the unique opportunity to serve as the first law clerk to Robert L Wilkins, who is currently a US Circuit Judge for the DC Circuit. Following her clerkship, she returned to Venable to continue her litigation practice until her appointment to the bench.
Judge Upadhyaya’s commitment to justice and her legal expertise led to various prestigious appointments and roles. From 2021-22, she served on the court’s Committee on Grievances. Additionally, she has been the former co-chair of the DC Bar Litigation Section Steering Committee, a board member of the DC Access to Justice Foundation, and the Council for Court Excellence. She is also recognized as a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation.
Her appointment as a United States Magistrate Judge marked a significant milestone for the Indian-American community and showcased her dedication to upholding the law and ensuring justice for all. With her extensive legal experience and impressive track record in pro bono work, Judge Upadhyaya continues to make a positive impact on the legal system and the lives of those she serves.
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