Federal Judicial Service:
U. S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington
Nominated by Barack H. Obama on June 29, 2011, to a seat vacated by Robert H. Whaley; Confirmed by the Senate on March 6, 2012, and received commission on March 8, 2012. Served as Chief Judge from January 27, 2016 to July 24, 2020.

Education:
Gonzaga University, B.A. 1983
Gonzaga University Law School, J.D., 1986

Professional Career:
Prior to his appointment to the bench, he was an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington from 1987 to 2012; holding the positions of First Assistant from 2006 to 2012, Criminal Chief from 2003 to 2006, and Deputy Criminal Chief from 2000 to 2003. From 1986 to 1987, he was a trial attorney in the Tax Division of the United States Department of Justice.

Staff Information

Chambers Phone:
(509) 458-2470

Mailing Address:
PO Box 1493
Spokane, WA 99210

E-mail address for proposed orders only:
RiceOrders@waed.uscourts.gov