Heaton, Joe L. Born 1951 in Alva, OK Federal Judicial Service: Judge, U.S. District Court, Western District of Oklahoma Nominated by George W. Bush on September 4, 2001, to a seat vacated by Ralph G. Thompson. Confirmed by the Senate on December 6, 2001, and received commission on December 10, 2001. Education: Northwestern Oklahoma State University, B.A., 1973 University of Oklahoma College of Law, J.D., 1976 Professional Career: Legislative assistant, Sen. Dewey F. Bartlett, U.S. Senate, 1976-1977 Private practice, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 1977-1992, 1993-1996 Adjunct instructor, University of Central Oklahoma, 1980-1981, 1992-1993 State representative, Oklahoma House of Representatives, 1984-1992 Special assistant U.S. attorney & U.S. attorney, U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Oklahoma, 1992-1993 First assistant U.S. attorney, U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Oklahoma, 1996-2001