President Barack Obama intends to nominate New Haven’s top lawyer, Victor Bolden, to a seat on the U.S. District Court in Connecticut, according to a White House release.

Bolden has been the city’s corporation counsel since 2009. His tasks have included overseeing the city’s legal response to Occupy New Haven’s encampment on the New Haven Green in 2012 and answering charges of racial bias concerning promotions in the fire department.

Before coming to work for New Haven City Hall, Bolden was a lawyer for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). His legal career began at the American Civil Liberties Union following his graduation from Harvard Law School in 1989.

“I am honored to put forward these highly qualified candidates for the federal bench,” Obama said of Bolden and his four other nominees to the federal bench.  “They will be distinguished public servants and valuable additions to the United States District Courts.”

U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal LAW ’73 and Chris Murphy, both of Connecticut, swiftly backed Bolden’s nomination.

“Victor Bolden has the intellect, integrity and life experience that will make him a judge of courage and compassion,” they said in a joint statement. “Our hope is that he will be confirmed promptly, without partisan contention, as befits his exemplary qualifications.”

New Haven Mayor Toni Harp also praised Bolden — whom she chose to retain after her inauguration this year — in a Friday statement. She said he is among City Hall’s “greatest assets.”

Bolden could not be reached for comment. City Hall Spokesman Laurence Grotheer said Bolden is under a gag order from the White House.

ISAAC STANLEY-BECKER