Statement of Jocelyn Frye, President of the National Partnership for Women & Families

WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 19, 2024 – Today, Nicole Berner was confirmed to the Fourth Circuit Court of appeals by the U.S. Senate. Berner’s extensive accomplishments include her work as General Counsel to the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and her impressive record as a union and reproductive rights lawyer for more than two decades. She also has served as an exemplary member of the Board of Directors for the National Partnership for Women & Families for many years. Berner will be the first openly LGBTQ+ judge to serve on the Fourth Circuit. Jocelyn C. Frye, president of the National Partnership, released the following statement:

“The National Partnership for Women & Families is proud to congratulate Nicole Berner on her confirmation to the Fourth Circuit. She is enormously well-qualified for this new role, with deep subject-matter expertise on critical economic, labor and health areas, a clear understanding of the need to apply the law fairly and without bias, and an unflinching commitment to justice. She has long acted as a committed advocate and brilliant litigator for equal rights. She has a real understanding of the systemic barriers that stand in the way of women’s equality – and the disproportionate impacts these barriers have on the lives of women of color, LGBTQ people, and disabled women – and the intersection of issues such as reproductive freedom, health care access, paid leave, and safe and fair workplaces.”

Nicole brings critical professional, gender, and LGBTQ diversity to the federal bench, and we commend Leader Schumer for prioritizing her confirmation on the Senate floor. Judge Berner will leverage her impressive career and unique experience to advance social justice and equal justice for all. Nicole has been a valuable member of our board as we fight to lift up working families and protect women’s rights, and we’re extraordinarily excited to watch her take this new step to serve on the bench.”

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