Benton, William Duane Born 1950 in Springfield, MO Federal Judicial Service: Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit Nominated by George W. Bush on February 12, 2004, to a seat vacated by Theodore McMillian. Confirmed by the Senate on June 24, 2004, and received commission on July 2, 2004. Education: Northwestern University, B.A., 1972 Yale Law School, J.D., 1975 Memphis University, M.B.A., 1979 University of Virginia School of Law, LL.M., 1994 Professional Career: U.S. Navy/Naval Reserve captain, 1972-2002 Campaign manager, Wendell Bailey for Congress, 1980 Administrative assistant, U.S. Rep. Wendell Bailey, Missouri, 1981-1982 Private practice, Jefferson City, Missouri, 1983-1989 Director of revenue, Missouri Department of Revenue, 1989-1991 Adjunct professor, Westminster College, 1998-2004 Adjunct professor, University of Missouri School of Law, 1998-2004 Judge, Supreme Court of Missouri, 1991-2004; chief justice, 1997-1999