Born 1947 in Elkhart, IN

Federal Judicial Service:
Judge, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama
Nominated by Ronald Reagan on July 30, 1986, to a seat vacated by Robert E. Varner. Confirmed by the Senate on September 12, 1986, and received commission on September 15, 1986. Service terminated on October 5, 1990, due to appointment to another judicial position.

Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
Nominated by George H.W. Bush on June 7, 1990, to a seat vacated by Robert Smith Vance. Confirmed by the Senate on September 28, 1990, and received commission on October 1, 1990. Served as chief judge, 2009-2013. Assumed senior status on October 26, 2013.

Other Federal Judicial Service:
U.S. Magistrate, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama, 1983-1986

Education:
University of Alabama, B.S., 1970
Samford University, Cumberland School of Law, J.D., 1973

Professional Career:

Law clerk, Hon. Robert E. Varner, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Alabama, 1973-1974
Private practice, Montgomery, Alabama, 1974-1983
Member, Judicial Conference of the United States, 2009-2013