Riley, William Jay Born 1947 in Lincoln, NE Federal Judicial Service: Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit Nominated by George W. Bush on May 23, 2001, to a seat vacated by Clarence A. Beam. Confirmed by the Senate on August 2, 2001, and received commission on August 3, 2001. Served as chief judge, 2010-present. Education: University of Nebraska, B.A., 1969 University of Nebraska College of Law, J.D., 1972 Professional Career: Law clerk, Hon. Donald Lay, United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, 1972-1973 Private practice, Nebraska, 1973-2001 Adjunct professor, Creighton University College of Law, 1991-