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Zagel, James Block
Died July 15, 2023
Federal Judicial Service:
Judge, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Nominated by Ronald Reagan on February 2, 1987, to a seat vacated by Frank J. McGarr. Confirmed by the Senate on April 21, 1987, and received commission on April 22, 1987. Assumed senior status on October 21, 2016. Service terminated on July 15, 2023, due to death.
Other Federal Judicial Service:
Judge, Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, 2008-2015
Education:
University of Chicago, B.A., 1962
University of Chicago, M.A., 1962
Harvard Law School, J.D., 1965
Professional Career:
Assistant state's attorney, Cook County, Illinois, 1965-1969
Assistant attorney general, State of Illinois, 1969-1977; deputy chief, Criminal Justice Division, 1969-1970; chief, Criminal Justice Division, 1970-1977
Chief prosecutor, Illinois Judicial Inquiry Board, 1973-1975
Chief assistant attorney general, State of Arizona (on leave from Illinois), 1975
Executive director, Illinois Law Enforcement Commision, 1977-1979
Director, Illinois Department of Revenue, 1979-1980
Chairman, Illinois Governor's Advisory Counsel on Criminal Justice Legislation, 1980-1987
Director, Illinois State Police, 1980-1987