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

Russell, Thomas B.

Born 1945 in Louisville, KY

Federal Judicial Service:
Judge, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky
Nominated by William J. Clinton on September 14, 1994, to a seat vacated by Edward H. Johnstone. Confirmed by the Senate on October 7, 1994, and received commission on October 11, 1994. Served as chief judge, 2008-2011. Assumed senior status on November 15, 2011. Service terminated on September 1, 2023, due to retirement.

Other Federal Judicial Service:
Judge, Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, 2015-2022
Judge, Alien Terrorist Removal Court, 2016-2021

Education:
Western Kentucky University, B.A., 1967
University of Kentucky College of Law, J.D., 1970

Professional Career:

Private practice, Paducah, Kentucky, 1970-1994
Member, Judicial Conference of the United States, 2019-2020