Varlan, Thomas A. Born 1956 in Oak Ridge, TN Federal Judicial Service: Judge, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Tennessee Nominated by George W. Bush on January 7, 2003, to a seat vacated by Robert Leon Jordan. Confirmed by the Senate on March 13, 2003, and received commission on March 14, 2003. Served as chief judge, 2012-present. Education: University of Tennessee, B.A., 1978 Vanderbilt University School of Law, J.D., 1981 Professional Career: Private practice, Atlanta, Georgia, 1981-1987 Law director, City of Knoxville, Tennessee, 1988-1998 Private practice, Knoxville, Tennessee, 1998-2003