[co-author: Stephanie Kozol]*

President Joe Biden announced his nomination of Ryan Y. Park, the solicitor general of North Carolina, for the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. This selection underscores the pivotal role that attorneys general (AGs) offices play in the legal landscape, not just as enforcers of state laws but also as training grounds for future judges who will bring their unique perspectives to the bench.

Park has served as the solicitor general of North Carolina since 2020, having previously held the position of deputy solicitor general. His career includes roles such as an associate at Boies Schiller & Flexner LLP and an attorney in the Office of the Legal Adviser at the U.S. Department of State. Park has also clerked for some of the most esteemed judges in the U.S., including Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and David H. Souter of the U.S. Supreme Court. He holds a law degree from Harvard Law School.

Why It Matters

The nomination of Park, among others, highlights the recognition that state AGs and their offices play an increasingly prevalent role in shaping the legal landscape. AGs and their deputies often handle high-stakes cases that shape state and national policies, providing them with unparalleled courtroom experience and a deep understanding of constitutional and administrative law. Exceptional attorneys increasingly view state AGs’ offices as pivotal training grounds for a career in public service and a path to the bench.

*Senior Government Relations Manager