Overview

Enrique Moreno (December 28, 1955 – October 10, 2019) was a Mexican‑American attorney best known for his work as a civil trial lawyer in El Paso, Texas. He built a reputation for representing individuals in personal injury, product liability and civil rights cases and for obtaining significant jury verdicts against large corporations. In 1999 he was nominated by President Bill Clinton to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit; the Republican‑controlled United States Senate did not confirm his nomination.

Career and practice

Moreno practiced primarily as a trial attorney, frequently taking cases to jury trial rather than settling. He represented plaintiffs in complex civil litigation and was widely regarded in his region for courtroom skill and client advocacy. His work drew attention beyond his local community because of several high‑profile trials against national companies.

Judicial nomination

In 1999 Moreno received a nomination to the federal appellate bench from a Democratic president. The nomination became part of a broader political dispute over judicial appointments; because the Senate Republicans controlled the confirmation process at the time, his nomination was not acted upon and he was not confirmed. The episode highlighted tensions between merit, ideology and politics in federal judicial selections.

Notable aspects and legacy

  • Reputation: Recognized for tenacious trial advocacy and attention to clients from working‑class and immigrant communities.
  • Impact: Helped shape civil litigation practice in his region by pursuing jury trials and high‑stakes claims against corporations and insurers.
  • Public profile: His judicial nomination drew national notice, bringing attention to the involvement of Latino lawyers in federal judicial selection.

Personal life and death

Moreno was identified publicly as a Mexican‑American attorney active in his local legal community. He died on October 10, 2019. Colleagues and community members remembered him for his courtroom tenacity, mentorship of younger lawyers and efforts to provide legal representation to individuals with limited resources.

Context and significance

Beyond any single case or nomination, Enrique Moreno's career illustrates the role of experienced trial lawyers in American civil justice and the political dimensions that can arise when experienced advocates are considered for the federal bench. His experience remains part of discussions about diversity on the bench, the confirmation process and access to experienced legal counsel in local communities.

For further reading about his career and nomination process, see contemporary reports and obituaries that summarize his trials and the political context surrounding federal judicial confirmations.