Merriam was political director for a state employee union and helped manage the campaigns of two Democratic U.S. Senators, Chris Murphy and Chris Dodd.[6]
United States magistrate judge
In March 2015, Merriam was selected as a magistrate judge of the District of Connecticut.[7] She replaced Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons, who retired.[8] She was sworn in on April 3, 2015.[7][9] Her service terminated on October 8, 2021, when she was elevated to a district court judge.[10]
District court service
On June 15, 2021, President Joe Biden nominated Merriam to serve as a United States district judge for the District of Connecticut to the seat vacated by Judge Janet C. Hall, who assumed senior status on January 21, 2021.[11] On July 14, 2021, a hearing on her nomination was held before the Senate Judiciary Committee.[12] On August 5, 2021, her nomination was favorably reported by the committee by a 13–9 vote.[13] On October 4, 2021, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer filed cloture on her nomination.[14] On October 6, 2021, the United States Senate invoked cloture on her nomination by a 53–47 vote.[15] Her nomination was confirmed later that day by a 54–46 vote.[16] She received her judicial commission on October 8, 2021.[10] She was sworn in on October 12, 2021.[17] Her service as a district judge was terminated on September 28, 2022, when she was elevated to the court of appeals.[10]
Court of appeals service
On April 27, 2022, President Joe Biden announced he would nominate Merriam to serve as a United States circuit judge for the Second Circuit.[18][19] On May 19, 2022, her nomination was sent to the Senate. President Biden nominated Merriam to the seat to be vacated by Judge Susan L. Carney, who announced her intent to assume senior status upon confirmation of a successor.[20] On May 25, 2022, a hearing on her nomination was held before the Senate Judiciary Committee.[21] On June 16, 2022, her nomination was favorably reported by the committee by a 12–10 vote.[22] On September 12, 2022, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer filed cloture on her nomination.[23] On September 14, 2022, the United States Senate invoked cloture on her nomination by a 52–47 vote.[24] On September 15, 2022, her nomination was confirmed by a 53–44 vote.[25] She received her judicial commission on September 23, 2022.[10]
