Blumenthal & Murphy Applaud Confirmation of Sarah Russell to Serve on the U.S. District Court for Connecticut

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) applauded the Senate confirmation of Sarah Russell to fill a vacancy on the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut. Russell was nominated for the position by President Biden in October 2023 and approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee the following December. Her nomination was approved today in the full Senate by a vote of 50-44.

“Sarah Russell is a proven champion of justice—fighting to vindicate legal rights, often for the most vulnerable and voiceless. She has demonstrated a combination of intellect, integrity, and incredible work ethic—qualities that made her a gifted advocate, and now will make her a great judge,” said Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “As a teacher, public defender, legal clinic director, and litigator, she has shown passion for public service and dedication to the rule of law. Her service on the federal bench will make us proud.”

“Sarah Russell has dedicated her career to serving the people of Connecticut and fighting for justice. Her experience both as a litigator and as an expert on sentencing policy and juvenile justice make her exceptionally qualified for this role, and I’m glad to see her confirmed today to continue her important work on the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut,” said Murphy.

Sarah Russell has served as a Professor at the Quinnipiac University School of Law since 2011 and as Director of the school’s Legal Clinic since 2019. Prior to her time at Quinnipiac, Russell was a Lecturer at Yale Law School and the Director of the Arthur Liman Public Interest Program. Russell also served as an Assistant Federal Public Defender from 2005 to 2007 and as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Chester J. Straub of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the Honorable Michael B. Mukasey of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Russell is a widely respected member of Connecticut’s legal community, having been appointed to serve on the Connecticut Sentencing Commission, the Connecticut Committee on Judicial Ethics, and the Federal Grievance Committee. Russell is also an active member of her community, serving on the board of the Hamden Juvenile Review and Connecticut Children’s Museum. Russell received both her undergraduate and law degrees from Yale University.

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