The nominee for U.S. Attorney in San Diego, Laura Duffy, has a reputation in local legal circles as detail-oriented with a knack for managing complex cases. Duffy is best known for successfully prosecuting members of the violent Arellano-Felix drug cartel.
David Bartick is a local criminal defense lawyer whose clients have included drug kingpin Francisco Javier Arellano Felix.
"I've had several different cases where I was representing the defendant and she was representing the government," Bartick said. "She's certainly very well respected in the legal community. She's extremely bright, articulate, a person of integrity."
Former federal prosecutor John Kirby worked with Duffy in the 1990s in the cases against the Arellano-Felix cartel. Kirby says Duffy was meticulous, hardworking and not intimidated even as she dealt with witnesses who themselves were killers and torturers.
Duffy is expected to earn easy confirmation from the senate.
