Obama taps Muslim-American to be federal judge

The president nominated Abid Riaz Qureshi for the US District Court for the District of Columbia.

"I am pleased to nominate Mr. Qureshi to serve on the United States District Court bench," Obama said. "I am confident he will serve the American people with integrity and a steadfast commitment to justice."

Muslim Advocates, an advocacy group, applauded Qureshi's nomination, saying that diversity helps ensure a fair administration of the law, adding that it is vital for Muslims to be included.

The group said Qureshi worked pro bono with the organization on two important civil rights cases.

Obama diversifies courts

The White House frequently highlights Obama's attempts to bring diversity to the federal court houses. During nearly eight years in office, Obama has appointed 120 minorities and 138 females to sit on federal benches across the country.

But Qureshi's Senate confirmation remains uncertain. Congress is just now returning from its summer recess, and will only be in session until early October when lawmakers will break again - this time to campaign ahead of November's election.

Qureshi works for the law firm Latham & Watkins LLP, where he specializes in fraud cases as well as federal securities violations. He has also led complex investigations on behalf of international firms.

In 2014, he made the Washington D.C. Super Lawyers list for his distinguished legal work.

In 1997, he graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School. He received his BA from Cornell University, graduating summa cum laude in 1993.

bik/sms (AP, White House)