- Saturday, May 17, 2025
Indian-American Judge Arun Subramanian, presiding over the Diddy case, blends legal brilliance with humility. From clerking under Justice Ginsburg to billion-dollar verdicts, his journey is a powerful reflection of South Asian excellence in American judiciary.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Indian-American judge Arun Subramanian is currently in the spotlight as he presides over the high-profile trial involving rapper and music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. Appointed to the federal bench by President Joe Biden in 2022, Subramanian is the first South Asian to serve on the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, one of the most influential federal courts in the nation.
Born in Pittsburgh in 1979 to Indian immigrant parents, Subramanian’s academic and legal path has been both remarkable and inspiring. He earned his undergraduate degree in Computer Science and English from Case Western Reserve University, followed by a Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School. While at Columbia, he was named a James Kent and Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar and served as the Executive Articles Editor of the Columbia Law Review—signaling early on his intellectual prowess and dedication to law.
Subramanian began his legal career with highly coveted clerkships, first for Judge Dennis Jacobs on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, then for Judge Gerard E. Lynch in the Southern District of New York, and later for the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. His time with Justice Ginsburg, a legal icon, profoundly shaped his approach to justice—balancing authority with empathy.
Prior to his judicial appointment, Subramanian was a partner at a major law firm where he played a pivotal role in recovering over $1 billion in settlements for victims of corporate fraud and abuse. He also actively participated in pro bono work, advocating for public service alongside high-stakes litigation.
Despite his towering credentials, Subramanian is known for his grounded nature and approachable demeanor. In court, his calm and composed temperament has helped ease tensions, even in emotionally charged cases. Reports from sources like TMZ noted that during jury selection in the Diddy trial, his humor and down-to-earth style made potential jurors feel more at ease.
Outside the courtroom, Subramanian is as relatable as they come. Known for his love of karaoke and penchant for personally ordering his judicial robes online, he maintains a quiet yet vibrant personal life. Colleagues often describe him as someone who never lets his powerful position cloud his character or humility.
As the Diddy trial progresses under his watch, Judge Arun Subramanian stands as a symbol of rising South Asian representation in the American legal system—combining rigorous legal intellect with an unshakeable commitment to fairness and humanity.
