Cogburn, Max Oliver Jr. Born 1951 in Cambridge, MA Federal Judicial Service: Judge, U.S. District Court, Western District of North Carolina Nominated by Barack Obama on January 5, 2011, to a seat vacated by Lacy H. Thornburg. Confirmed by the Senate on March 10, 2011, and received commission on March 11, 2011. U.S. Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court, Western District of North Carolina, 1995-2004 Education: University of North Carolina, B.A., 1973 Samford University, Cumberland School of Law, J.D., 1976 Professional Career: Private practice, Asheville, North Carolina, 1976-1980, 1995, 2004-2011 Assistant U.S. attorney, Western District of North Carolina, 1980-1992 Private practice, Charlotte, North Carolina, 1992-1995