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Viken, Jeffrey Lynn
Born 1952 in Huron, SD
Federal Judicial Service:
Judge, U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota
Nominated by Barack Obama on June 25, 2009, to a seat vacated by Lawrence L. Piersol. Confirmed by the Senate on September 29, 2009, and received commission on September 30, 2009. Served as chief judge, 2013-2019. Assumed senior status on October 1, 2021. Service terminated on October 1, 2023, due to retirement.
Education:
University of South Dakota, B.A., 1974
University of South Dakota School of Law (now Knudson School of Law), J.D., 1977
Professional Career:
Federal Judicial Service:
Judge, U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota
Nominated by Barack Obama on June 25, 2009, to a seat vacated by Lawrence L. Piersol. Confirmed by the Senate on September 29, 2009, and received commission on September 30, 2009. Served as chief judge, 2013-2019. Assumed senior status on October 1, 2021. Service terminated on October 1, 2023, due to retirement.
Education:
University of South Dakota, B.A., 1974
University of South Dakota School of Law (now Knudson School of Law), J.D., 1977
Professional Career:
Assistant U.S. attorney, District of South Dakota, 1977-1981; acting U.S. attorney, 1981
Private practice, Rapid City, South Dakota, 1981-2003
Federal public defender, Districts of North Dakota and South Dakota, 2003-2009