Moxila Upadhyaya: The Judge Who Presided Over Trump’s Hearing

India-West News Desk

Indian American Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya presided over the federal court hearing of former President Donald Trump. The charges against Trump are in connection with his attempts to overturn the result of the 2020 presidential election.

Upadhyaya’s role in overseeing Trump’s arraignment and subsequent court proceedings adds to her impressive legal career and her growing profile in high-profile cases. As she navigates the complexities of this case, she joins the ranks of other Indian American judges who have been involved in handling January 6 Capitol Hill riots-related cases. Notably, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta is presiding over several cases, including the criminal prosecution of Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, as well as three civil lawsuits against Trump and several of his associates.

Upadhyaya, who was appointed to the U.S. magistrate judge position on September 7, 2022, holds an impressive legal background and has earned recognition for her commitment to justice. Born in Gujarat, and raised near Kansas City, Missouri, she pursued her legal education at American University’s Washington College of Law, where she graduated cum laude in 2003.

With a passion for public service and pro bono work, Upadhyaya served as a law clerk to the Honorable Eric T. Washington, former Chief Judge of the D.C. Court of Appeals, before joining Venable LLP’s Washington, D.C. office. Her dedication to representing indigent clients in post-conviction proceedings earned her esteemed awards, including the Defender of Innocence Award from the Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project in 2009 and the Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year by Venable in 2006.

As a U.S. magistrate judge, Upadhyaya has the authority to conduct preliminary proceedings in criminal cases, such as arraignments, among other essential duties. She is known for her outstanding work on the D.C. District Court’s Committee on Grievances and has served on various committees and boards, including the D.C. Bar Litigation Section Steering Committee, the D.C. Access to Justice Foundation, and the Council for Court Excellence. Additionally, she is recognized as a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation.