Longtime U.S. Supreme Court advocate Christopher Landau on Tuesday appeared to sweep away any concerns that senators might have had about his lack of diplomatic experience as he faced a confirmation hearing to become U.S. ambassador to Mexico.

Landau, former clerk to Justices Clarence Thomas and the late Antonin Scalia, told senators that his 30 years of legal practice will be a plus and “has given me a profound respect for the rule of law, the importance of resolving disputes civilly, and the dignity of the individual. If confirmed, I’ll bring these passions to my job in Mexico.” No senator from either party questioned his qualifications.