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Willett, Don R.
Federal Judicial Service:
Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Nominated by Donald J. Trump on October 3, 2017, to a seat vacated by Emilio M. Garza. Confirmed by the Senate on December 13, 2017, and received commission on January 2, 2018.
Education:
Baylor University, B.B.A., 1988
Duke University School of Law, J.D., 1992
Duke University, M.A., 1992
Duke University School of Law, LL.M., 2016
Professional Career:
Law clerk, Hon. Jerre S. Williams, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, 1992-1993
Private practice, Austin, Texas, 1993-1996
Director of research and special projects, Office of Gov. George W. Bush, Texas, 1996-2000
Domestic policy and special projects advisor, George W. Bush presidential campaign and transition team, 2000-2001
Special assistant to President George W. Bush, 2001-2002
Deputy assistant attorney general, U.S. Department of Justice, 2002-2003
Deputy attorney general for legal counsel, State of Texas, 2003-2005
Justice, Supreme Court of Texas, 2005-2017