Spotlight: Tejinder Singh

Tejinder Singh, a lawyer at Goldstein and Russell, P.C. became the first Sikh American to argue in front of the Supreme Court in Edward v. Lane on April 28, 2014.  Singh represented Edward Lane, an employee at a community college program who was terminated from his job after he testified against a corrupt state representative in a federal fraud trial.  Singh asked the Court to evaluate whether Mr. Lane’s testimony was protected under the First Amendment’s right to free speech. “I was privileged to help Edward, who is a hero: he stood up and told the truth, even though it cost him a lucrative job. It’s wonderful to represent people like him, and I’m lucky that my job lets me do so. The fact that I got to stand in front of the Justices is secondary.” Singh, a graduate of Harvard Law School, has been involved with SALDEF for years and instrumental in mentoring several of SALDEF’s SikhLEAD participants. “I’ve been familiar withSALDEF’s work for more than a decade now, and have seen the organization do wonderful work for a tremendous number of people. It’s also proven to be an invaluable organization during times of crisis, like when CNN was trying to wrap its arms around the Oak Creek gurdwara shooting.” What is your greatest strength? I have excellent taste in friends. Greatest weakness? I am bizarrely picky about how I load the dishwasher. Trait you deplore most in others?Cruelty. Trait you love most in others? Generosity. Motto? YOLO? (YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE) That’s what the kids are saying anyway. Idea of perfect happiness? Is there such a thing as imperfect happiness? Where and when are you happiest? Probably as a baby; it doesn’t get much better than that. I’m also happy now. If you could change something about yourself what would it be? I would never ever again chew with my mouth open. Most treasured possession? Nah; everything’s replaceable. Favorite writer? Michael Lewis. Favorite book? This week, I like Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Pikkety; last week I liked the Eleven Madison Park Cookbook by Daniel Humm; next week who knows. Person you admire most? My wife Anna. Favorite occupation? Teacher. What would you go back and tell your younger self today? Buy more Google stock.