Barrington Daniels Parker Jr.

Barrington Daniels Parker Jr. is a former United States federal judge who served on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Appointed by President Bill Clinton, he is recognized for his scholarly judicial philosophy and authored significant opinions on complex issues including securities fraud, antitrust law, and civil rights. His judicial career followed a distinguished tenure in private practice and public service, establishing him as a respected jurist within the influential Second Circuit.

Early life and education

Born in Washington, D.C., he is the son of Barrington Daniels Parker Sr., who also served as a federal judge for the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. He attended Yale University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree, before pursuing his legal education at the University of Michigan Law School, where he earned a Juris Doctor. His academic foundation at these prestigious institutions prepared him for a career deeply engaged with the American legal system.

Legal career

Following law school, he began his legal career as a law clerk for Judge Aubrey Eugene Robinson Jr. of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. He then entered private practice, becoming a partner at the New York City law firm Webster & Sheffield, where his work focused on complex commercial litigation. His expertise led to his appointment as an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, where he prosecuted a variety of federal crimes under the leadership of United States Attorney Robert B. Fiske.

Federal judicial service

In 1994, President Bill Clinton nominated him to a seat on the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York vacated by Judge Louis L. Stanton; he was confirmed by the United States Senate and received his judicial commission that same year. His service on this prominent trial court was marked by handling high-stakes cases involving major financial institutions and corporations. In 2001, President George W. Bush nominated him to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, following a recommendation by Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan; he was again confirmed by the Senate and assumed senior status in 2021.

Notable cases

On the Second Circuit, he authored influential opinions across a broad legal spectrum. In *United States v. Quattrone*, he upheld the obstruction of justice conviction of former Credit Suisse First Boston banker Frank Quattrone. He wrote a key decision in *Starr International Co. v. United States* regarding the government conservatorship of American International Group during the financial crisis of 2007–2008. In the realm of civil procedure, his opinion in *Shady Grove Orthopedic Associates v. Allstate Insurance Co.* addressed the interplay between state law and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. He also ruled on significant First Amendment issues in cases involving defamation and commercial speech.

Personal life

He is married to Sharon Parker, and they have two children. His family maintains a connection to public service and the legal profession. Following his assumption of senior status, he continues to contribute to the judiciary by hearing a reduced caseload, while also participating in legal education and professional organizations dedicated to the administration of justice.

Category:1944 births Category:American federal judges Category:United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit judges Category:United States District Court for the Southern District of New York judges Category:Yale University alumni Category:University of Michigan Law School alumni Category:People from Washington, D.C.