Phillips, Mary Elizabeth Born 1969 in Kirksville, MO Federal Judicial Service: Judge, U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri Nominated by Barack Obama on June 7, 2011, to a seat vacated by Ortrie D. Smith. Confirmed by the Senate on March 6, 2012, and received commission on March 22, 2012. Education: University of Chicago, B.A., 1991 University of Chicago, M.A., 1992 University of Missouri School of Law, J.D., 1996 Professional Career: Legislative assistant, U.S. Rep. Patsy Ann Danner, Missouri, 1993-1994 Assistant prosecutor, Jackson County, Missouri, 1997-2001 Private practice, Leawood, Kansas, 2001-2008 Special prosecutor, Circuit Court of Missouri, Jackson County, 2002-2008 Assistant U.S. attorney, Western District of Missouri, 2008-2009; litigation consultant, 2008 U.S. attorney for the Western District of Missouri, 2009-2012