Gergel, Richard Mark Born 1954 in Columbia, SC Federal Judicial Service: Judge, U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina Nominated by Barack Obama on December 22, 2009, to a seat vacated by Henry M. Herlong, Jr.. Confirmed by the Senate on August 5, 2010, and received commission on August 9, 2010. Education: Duke University, B.A., 1975 Duke University School of Law, J.D., 1979 Professional Career: Private practice, Columbia, South Carolina, 1979-2010