Blackburn, Sharon Lovelace Born 1950 in Pensacola, FL Federal Judicial Service: Judge, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Alabama Nominated by George H.W. Bush on April 11, 1991, to a new seat authorized by 104 Stat. 5089. Confirmed by the Senate on May 24, 1991, and received commission on May 30, 1991. Served as chief judge, 2006-present. Education: University of Alabama, B.A., 1973 Samford University, Cumberland School of Law, J.D., 1977 Professional Career: Law clerk, J. O. Sentell, clerk, Supreme Court of Alabama, 1977 Law clerk, Hon. Robert Varner, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Alabama, 1977-78 Staff attorney, Birmingham Area Legal Services, Birmingham, Alabama, 1979 Assistant U.S. attorney, Northern District of Alabama, 1979-1991; Civil Division, 1979-1985; Criminal Division, 1985-1991