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A Conservative Stalwart: Samuel Alito's Rise to the Supreme Court
From Trenton to the Bench
Born in Trenton, New Jersey, on April 1, 1950, Samuel Alito's journey to the Supreme Court began with a lengthy and distinguished career as an attorney. After graduating from Yale Law School in 1975, he served as a law clerk to Justice William Rehnquist and then as an assistant to the Solicitor General.
A Return to Trenton and a Path to the Bench
Alito returned to New Jersey and established a successful law practice. In 1990, he was appointed to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals by President George H.W. Bush. During his 15 years on the Third Circuit, Alito became known for his conservative judicial philosophy and his prolific writing.
Confirmation to the Supreme Court
In 2005, President George W. Bush nominated Alito to replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor on the Supreme Court. After a contentious confirmation process, the Senate confirmed Alito by a vote of 58-42 on January 31, 2006.
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