Rice, Thomas Owen Born 1960 in Spokane, WA Federal Judicial Service: Judge, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington Nominated by Barack Obama on June 29, 2011, to a seat vacated by Robert H. Whaley. Confirmed by the Senate on March 6, 2012, and received commission on March 8, 2012. Education: Gonzaga University, B.B.A., 1983 Gonzaga University School of Law, J.D., 1986 Professional Career: Trial attorney, U.S. Department of Justice, 1986-1987 Assistant U.S. attorney, Eastern District of Washington, 1987-2012; deputy chief, Criminal Division, 2000-2003; chief, Criminal Division, 2003-2006; first assistant U.S. attorney, 2006-2012