USA (Commonwealth Union)_ Mathura Sridharan, an experienced Indian-origin attorney, has been named Ohio’s new solicitor general. The announcement was made by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, who praised Sridharan’s legal expertise and strong record, including her appeal before the US Supreme Court in the Ohio v. EPA case from 2023. In her new role, Sridharan becomes the state’s top appellate lawyer, representing Ohio in major legal matters before state and federal appeals courts, including the nation’s highest court.
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Despite her qualifications, Sridharan’s appointment drew backlash from some corners of the internet. A portion of the criticism focused on her wearing of a traditional bindi, with some social media users questioning her identity and suitability for the position based on her heritage. Accordingly, Attorney General Yost replied to the criticisms by raising his voice in support of her in a public speech. “A few commenters have asserted incorrectly that Mathura is not American,” he said. “She is a US citizen, married to a US citizen, and the daughter of naturalized US citizens.” He added pointedly, “If her name or her complexion bothers you, the problem is not with her or her appointment.”
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At present, Sridharan works as the Deputy Solicitor General of Ohio, where she leads the Tenth Amendment Center. Her professional background includes clerkships with Judge Steven Menashi of the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the late Judge Deborah Batts of the US District Court in New York. She holds a law degree from NYU School of Law (2018), a master’s in electrical engineering and computer science from MIT (2013), and dual bachelor’s degrees in the same field and in economics from MIT (2012).
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Outside the courtroom, Sridharan is trained in Carnatic music and has performed at cultural events in India, including Chennai’s December music season in 2010. She married Ashwin Suresh in 2015. Sridharan’s promotion to solicitor general is a watershed moment for diversity in American legal leadership. While her selection has prompted some debate, many people see it as a sign of progress and inclusiveness in the public sector. With solid recommendations from her predecessors and backing from Ohio’s top legal office, Sridharan now takes on a high-profile post with a clear mission: to serve Ohio with expertise, integrity, and unflinching professionalism.
