Neomi Rao : In the intricate tapestry of the American legal system, one name stands out as a beacon of intellect, resilience, and transformative leadership: Neomi Rao. Born on March 22, 1973, in Detroit, Michigan, Rao’s journey from her early life to becoming a federal appellate judge is nothing short of inspirational.
Neomi Rao -Early Life and Education : Nurturing Brilliance in Bloomfield Hills
Rao’s roots trace back to Parsi physicians, Zerin and Jehangir Narioshang Rao, who immigrated to the United States in 1972. Growing up in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Neomi Rao attended Detroit Country Day School, laying the foundation for her academic prowess.
A graduate of Yale University, Rao’s commitment to knowledge led her to delve into ethics, politics & economics, and philosophy, culminating in a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, in 1995.
From Reporter to Legal Luminary: A Journey of Academic Excellence
Post-graduation, Neomi Rao showcased her versatility as a reporter for The Weekly Standard. Her intellectual journey continued at the University of Chicago Law School, where she earned a Juris Doctor with highest honours and Order of the Coif membership in 1999. This marked the beginning of a career that would blend academia, legal practice, and public service seamlessly.
Charting Unexplored Territories: Private Practice and White House Tenure
Rao’s post-law school trajectory included a clerkship for Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III and pivotal roles in the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee and as a clerk for Justice Clarence Thomas of the U.S. Supreme Court. Her journey took her across the Atlantic to London, where she practised public international law and arbitration with Clifford Chance.
During the George W. Bush presidency, Neomi Rao served as an associate with the White House Counsel. Her commitment to legal education found expression as a professor at the George Mason University School of Law, where she founded the Center for the Study of the Administrative State in 2015.
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs: A Catalyst for Change
In 2017, President Donald Trump appointed Neomi Rao as the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA). Her nomination signalled a commitment to regulatory reform, a vision Rao executed with precision and open-mindedness. Despite opposition, she was confirmed by the Senate in 2017, showcasing her ability to navigate challenges and differing perspectives.
Federal Judicial Service: Upholding the Pillars of Justice
Rao’s nomination to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit faced scrutiny, primarily due to her writings on sensitive topics. However, her confirmation in 2019 attested to her resilience and commitment to justice.
Notable Opinions: Shaping Legal Precedent
In October 2019, Rao’s dissent in a 2–1 ruling on a congressional subpoena for President Trump’s records showcased her unwavering commitment to legal principles. In the Flynn case, her decisive 2–1 decision in June 2020 reflected her dedication to upholding justice, even in the face of surprise from legal observers.
Fast forward to August 2023, Rao’s decision in Frederick Douglass Foundation, Inc. v. DC, reaffirmed her dedication to the First Amendment, emphasizing that government actions should be viewpoint-neutral.
A Personal Tapestry: Family, Faith, and Identity
Beyond the legal arena, Rao’s personal life paints a picture of balance. Married to Alan Lefkowitz, a former law school classmate, they share the joys of parenthood with two children. Rao’s journey into Judaism after marriage adds another layer to her rich identity, while she continues to identify as a Zoroastrian.
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