10032017 - News Article - Senate OKs Thomas L. Kirsch II as U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Indiana

Senate OKs Thomas L. Kirsch II as U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Indiana
NWI Times
Oct 3, 2017
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/senate-oks-thomas-l-kirsch-ii-as-u-s-attorney/article_2f2e7534-33dd-5436-b75d-da6a6b6690e0.html
HAMMOND — The U.S. Senate confirmed Thomas L. Kirsch II on Tuesday night as the next U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Indiana.

The Senate Judiciary Committee last week endorsed Kirsch's nomination, a Schererville resident with law offices in Chicago, Jay Kenworthy, a spokesman for U.S. Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., said.

Kenworthy said Kirsch was confirmed with a voice vote by the full Senate.

Senators Todd Young and Joe Donnelly issued a joint statement Wednesday afternoon applauding Kirsch's confirmation.

"Tom is a well-qualified attorney who has garnered broad support from both sides of the aisle. He approaches the law thoughtfully and will bring a wealth of experience to this role. He will serve Hoosiers in the Northern District well," they stated.

President Donald Trump nominated Kirsch II in July to oversee criminal prosecutions for the U.S. District offices of Hammond, South Bend, Fort Wayne and Lafayette. The U.S. District of Northern Indiana comprises 32 counties.

Kirsch repalces Clifford Johnson, who has been serving as acting U.S. attorney since former U.S. Attorney David Capp's departure in March.

Kirsch is a partner with the Chicago law firm of Winston & Strawn LLP, where his practice focuses on litigation and investigations.

Kirsch served as an assistant U.S. attorney here from 2001 to 2008. He focused on white collar investigations and prosecutions, including the prosecution of numerous elected and appointed public officials.

He received his bachelor's degree from Indiana University in 1996 in economics and political science, with honors, and a law degree from Harvard University.

Kirsch was still listed as one of two defense lawyers representing Portage Mayor James Snyder, who faces federal bribery charges he solicited money from a local businessman to put him on the city's towing list.

Kirsch appeared with Snyder at his initial court hearing and arraignment Nov. 18. Snyder, a Republican in his second term as mayor of the largest city in Porter County, is pleading not guilty and awaiting trial, now scheduled to begin Jan. 29.