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.
Gonzaga University, B.A. 1983
Gonzaga University Law School, J.D., 1986
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.
Paralegal/Courtroom Deputy Clerk:
Lee_Reams@waed.uscourts.gov
Chambers Phone:
(509) 458-2470
Mailing Address:
PO Box 1493
Spokane, WA 99210
E-mail address for proposed orders only:
RiceOrders@waed.uscourts.gov