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Sykes, Diane S.
Born 1957 in Milwaukee, WI
Federal Judicial Service:
Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
Nominated by George W. Bush on November 14, 2003, to a seat vacated by John L. Coffey. Confirmed by the Senate on June 24, 2004, and received commission on July 1, 2004. Served as chief judge, 2020-2025. Assumed senior status on October 1, 2025.
Education:
Northwestern University, B.S., 1980
Marquette University Law School, J.D., 1984
Professional Career:
Federal Judicial Service:
Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
Nominated by George W. Bush on November 14, 2003, to a seat vacated by John L. Coffey. Confirmed by the Senate on June 24, 2004, and received commission on July 1, 2004. Served as chief judge, 2020-2025. Assumed senior status on October 1, 2025.
Education:
Northwestern University, B.S., 1980
Marquette University Law School, J.D., 1984
Professional Career:
Law clerk, Hon. Terence T. Evans, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin, 1984-1985
Private practice, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1985-1992
Judge, Wisconsin Circuit Court, Milwaukee County, 1992-1999
Justice, Wisconsin Supreme Court, 1999-2004
Member, Judicial Conference of the United States, 2020-2025