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Smith, William E.
Born 1959 in Boise, ID
Federal Judicial Service:
Judge, U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island
Nominated by George W. Bush on July 18, 2002, to a seat vacated by Ronald R. Lagueux. Confirmed by the Senate on November 14, 2002, and received commission on November 15, 2002. Served as chief judge, 2013-2019. Assumed senior status on January 1, 2025.
Education:
Georgetown University, B.A., 1982
Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., 1987
Professional Career:
Federal Judicial Service:
Judge, U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island
Nominated by George W. Bush on July 18, 2002, to a seat vacated by Ronald R. Lagueux. Confirmed by the Senate on November 14, 2002, and received commission on November 15, 2002. Served as chief judge, 2013-2019. Assumed senior status on January 1, 2025.
Education:
Georgetown University, B.A., 1982
Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., 1987
Professional Career:
Private practice, Providence, Rhode Island, 1987-2000, 2001-2002
Judge (part-time), West Warwick [Rhode Island] Municipal Court, 1993-1998
Staff director, Rhode Island office, U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island, 2000-2001
Adjunct faculty, Providence College, 2000-2002
Member, Judicial Conference of the United States, 2023-present
Nominated to U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, December 6, 2007; no Senate vote