Born 1949 in Claremore, OK
Federal Judicial Service: Judge, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Nominated by George W. Bush on July 24, 2008, to a seat vacated by Bruce W. Kauffman. Confirmed by the Senate on September 26, 2008, and received commission on October 30, 2008.
Education: Southwestern College, Winfield, Kansas, A.B., 1972
American University, Washington College of Law, J.D., 1975
Professional Career:Public defender, Defender Association of Philadelphia [Pennsylvania], 1975-1987
Adjunct professor, St. Joseph's University School of Criminal Justice, 1991-1992
Adjunct professor, Temple University Beasley School of Law, 1992-1996
Curriculum developer and instructor, The National Judicial College, 1998-2008
Judge, Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County [Pennsylvania], 1987-2008; president judge, 2006-2008