Federal Judicial Center Operational Status:

Due to a lapse in appropriations, the Federal Judicial Center (Center) has ceased all non-excepted activities until funding is restored.

The Center will post any changes in operational status on this web page. Please check back for updates.

You are here

McKinley, Joseph H., Jr.

Born 1954 in Owensboro, KY

Federal Judicial Service:
Judge, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky
Nominated by William J. Clinton on May 24, 1995, to a seat vacated by Ronald E. Meredith. Confirmed by the Senate on August 11, 1995, and received commission on August 14, 1995. Served as chief judge, 2011-2018. Assumed senior status on June 9, 2019.

Education:
University of Kentucky, B.S., 1976
University of Louisville School of Law (now Louis D. Brandeis School of Law), J.D., 1979

Professional Career:

Private practice, Owensboro, Kentucky, 1979-1991
Commissioner, Kentucky Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, 1982-1990
Assistant county attorney, Daviess County, Kentucky, 1985-1987
Hearing officer, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet, 1990-1991
Judge, Kentucky Circuit Court, Sixth Judicial Circuit, First Division, 1992-1995