Skretny, William M. Born 1945 in Buffalo, NY Federal Judicial Service: Judge, U.S. District Court, Western District of New York Nominated by George H.W. Bush on June 12, 1990, to a seat vacated by John T. Curtin. Confirmed by the Senate on August 3, 1990, and received commission on August 7, 1990. Served as chief judge, 2010-present. Education: Canisius College, A.B., 1966 Howard University School of Law, J.D., 1969 Northwestern University School of Law, LL.M., 1972 Professional Career: Fellow, Ford Foundation Assistant U.S. attorney, Northern District of Illinois, 1971-1973 Assistant U.S. attorney, Western District of New York, 1973-1981; first assistant U.S. attorney, 1975-1981 Special counsel, Attorney General's Advocacy Institute, Washington, D.C., 1979 Staff attorney, Office of Special Prosecutor, U.S. Department of Justice, 1980 Private practice, Buffalo, New York, 1981-1983, 1988-1990 First deputy district attorney, Erie County, New York, 1983-1988