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Julie Su

Also Known As Julie A. Su

Julie Su's profile picture

Julie A. Su is an American attorney who has served as United States deputy secretary of labor since 2021. Before assuming that post, she was the California Labor Secretary, serving under Governor Gavin Newsom, and headed California's Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) under Governor Jerry Brown.

She is set to serve as acting secretary of labor following the departure of incumbent Marty Walsh from the role. In February 2023, President Joe Biden nominated Su to serve as the United States secretary of labor.

Su started her legal career at the Asian-Pacific American Legal Center. She was a Litigation Director for Advancing Justice L.A., a non-profit civil rights organization.

Su was the lead attorney for the El Monte Thai Garment Slavery Case. As the lead for civil case brought by the El Monte garment workers, Su successfully pursued a legal theory that held manufacturers responsible for the wage theft, as well as the operators who actually kept the garment workers captive. She and other activists also petitioned for the workers to be able to stay in the United States under a visa program for those who cooperate with the government in criminal trials. This led to the creation of the T-Visa for victims of human trafficking.

During Jerry Brown's tenure as governor, Su headed California's Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE). Under Governor Gavin Newsom, Su served as Secretary of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency

Early Life

Julie A. Su born February 19, 1969 in Wisconsin as a second-generation immigrant. Her mother came to the United States on a cargo ship from China; her father is from Taiwan. 

She graduated from Gretchen Whitney High School in Cerritos, CA. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stanford University and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School                                 

Education

  • Graduated - Gretchen Whitney High School
  • CA -. Bachelor of Arts degree - Stanford University
  • Juris Doctor - Harvard Law School

Career

  • United States deputy secretary of labor - American attorney

Recognition

Skadden Fellowship

2001 MacArthur Fellows Program

1996 Reebok International Human Rights Award

Reference