Ellis, Thomas Selby III Born 1940 in Bogota, Columbia Federal Judicial Service: Judge, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia Nominated by Ronald Reagan on July 1, 1987, to a seat vacated by Robert R. Merhige. Confirmed by the Senate on August 5, 1987, and received commission on August 6, 1987. Assumed senior status on April 1, 2007. Education: Princeton University, B.S.E., 1961 Harvard University, J.D., 1969 Oxford University, Diploma in Law, 1970 Professional Career: U.S. Navy, 1961-1966 Private practice, Richmond, Virginia, 1969-1987 Lecturer in law, College of William and Mary, 1981-1983