Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
A new magistrate judge has been chosen to fill the vacancy created by Judge Joshua P. Kolar’s elevation to the federal bench.
The United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana has announced the selection of Abizer Zanzi to succeed Kolar as a magistrate on the Indiana Northern District Court.
Kolar was confirmed Jan. 30 to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals on a 66-25 vote.
Zanzi was among 26 individuals who applied for the Northern District judgeship, according to the court.
A panel of lawyers and nonlawyers reviewed the applications and recommended five finalists for the position. The court’s bench then interviewed the finalists and selected Zanzi.
According toa Northern District news release, Zanzi is a 2000 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and a 2005 graduate of Duke University School of Law.
He has served as an assistant United States attorney in Hammond since 2015, including serving as a supervisor of the General Crimes Unit since early 2022. During his tenure, he has handled sensitive national security matters and led investigations and prosecutions involving public corruption, international and domestic terrorism, human trafficking, child exploitation and white-collar crimes, according to the release.
Zanzi began his legal career in the civil sector and served as a law clerk for Northern District Judge Philip P. Simon.
Regarding the selection of Zanzi, Chief Judge Holly A. Brady stated, “While many qualified candidates applied for the position, Mr. Zanzi’s extensive experience in both civil and criminal litigation and his prior experience clerking with the Court made him a clear choice for the vacancy. In addition to his diverse experience, the pro bono work he has performed demonstrates his clear commitment to equal justice under the law. We are all anxious for Mr. Zanzi to join the Court. He will be a tremendous asset to the Court and litigants.”
Zanzi’s appointment will be effective upon the completion of required Internal Revenue Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation background investigations.
Please enable JavaScript to view this content.