Viken, Jeffrey Lynn Born 1952 in Huron, SD Federal Judicial Service: Judge, U.S. District Court, District of South Dakota Nominated by Barack Obama on June 25, 2009, to a seat vacated by Lawrence L. Piersol. Confirmed by the Senate on September 29, 2009, and received commission on September 30, 2009. Served as chief judge, 2013-present. Education: University of South Dakota, B.A., 1974 University of South Dakota School of Law, J.D., 1977 Professional Career: Assistant U.S. attorney, District of South Dakota, 1977-1981 Acting U.S. attorney, District of South Dakota, 1981 Private practice, Rapid City, South Dakota, 1981-2003 Federal Public Defender, Districts of South Dakota and North Dakota, 2003-2009