07142017 - News Article - Schererville lawyer nominated for U.S. attorney

Schererville lawyer nominated for U.S. attorney
Post-Tribune
July 14, 2017
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/news/ct-ptb-us-attorney-nominee-st-0715-20170714-story.html
President Donald Trump nominated a Schererville attorney Friday to become the next U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Indiana.

Thomas Kirsch, now a partner at Winston and Strawn, LLP., in Chicago is one of the two potential U.S. attorneys nominated by the president, according to an announcement from Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind. Kirsch, if confirmed, will fill the vacancy left by former U.S. Attorney David Capp, a long-time federal prosecutor who led the Northern District of Indiana for eight years.

"Tom has a great legal mind and is a fearless litigator who has shown a willingness to take on powerful interests," said Young, in a statement. "I have no doubt he will continue the laudable work done by David Capp over the last decade."

Kirsch, 43, was unavailable for comment Friday.

Prior to joining Winston and Strawn, Kirsch was an assistant U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of Indiana. Kirsch attended Indiana University and Harvard Law School.

"We're always happy to see our local talent rise to the top," said Adam Sedia, president of the Lake County Bar Association and an associate at Hoeppner Wagner and Evans, Merrillville.

Kirsch currently represents Portage Mayor James Snyder, who was indicted in November on public corruption charges, according to court records.

Capp, who worked in the U.S. Attorney's Office for more than 30 years, submitted his resignation in March per the request of the Trump administration, even though he planned to retire in June, according to a press release. In March, Attorney General Jeff Sessions sought resignations for the U.S. attorneys appointed under former President Barack Obama, the Associated Press reported.

Clifford Johnson, a first assistant U.S. attorney, is serving as the interim U.S. Attorney.

The president also nominated Joshua Minkler, of Zionsville, to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana.