As U.S. Senate Democrats gear up for a summer confirmation battle over U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, California Sen. Dianne Feinstein has turned to a veteran appellate lawyer to vet the pick and his judicial record.

Marc Hearron, a partner in Morrison & Foerster‘s appellate and Supreme Court practice in Washington, joined Feinstein’s office Monday as chief counsel for nominations, a representative for the law firm confirmed. Feinstein is the ranking Democrat on the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, ground zero for the confirmation fight over President Donald Trump’s choice for the high court.

Marc Hearron