James, Robert Gillespie Born 1946 in Ruston, LA Federal Judicial Service: Judge, U.S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana Nominated by William J. Clinton on January 27, 1998, to a seat vacated by John M. Shaw. Confirmed by the Senate on July 31, 1998, and received commission on August 3, 1998. Served as chief judge, 2009-2012. Education: Louisiana Tech University, B.A., 1968 Louisiana State University Law School, J.D., 1971 Professional Career: Private practice, Ruston, Louisiana, 1971-1998 Business law instructor, Louisiana Tech University, 1992-1998 Judge, Ruston [Louisiana] City Court, 1985-1998