Whelan, Thomas J. Born 1940 in San Diego, CA Federal Judicial Service: Judge, U.S. District Court, Southern District of California Nominated by William J. Clinton on June 4, 1998, to a seat vacated by John S. Rhoades. Confirmed by the Senate on October 21, 1998, and received commission on October 22, 1998. Assumed senior status on August 15, 2010. Education: University of San Diego, B.A., 1961 University of San Diego School of Law, J.D., 1965 Professional Career: Contracts administrator, planner, and estimator, General Dynamics Corp., 1961-1969 Deputy district attorney, San Diego, California, 1969-1989 Judge, San Diego Superior Court, California, 1990-1998