Federal Judicial Service
Judge, U.S. District Court, District of Nebraska
U.S. Magistrate Judge, U.S. District court for the District of Nebraska, 2017-2024
Nominated by Joe Biden on January 10, 2024, to a seat vacated by John M. Gerrard. Confirmed by the Senate on April 9, 2024. Received commission on April 10, 2024. Sworn in on April 10, 2024.
Education
University of Nebraska at Omaha, B.S. (magna cum laude), 1990
Creighton University School of Law, J.D., 1993
Professional Career
Paragas Law Offices, 1993-1994
Douglas County Public Defender, 1994-1996
Kelly, Lehan and Hall, P.C., 1996-1999
Paragas Law Offices, 1999-2001
Bazis Law Offices, P.C., L.L.O., 2001-2007
State of Nebraska, County Court Judge for the 4th Judicial District, 2007-2016
United States District Court for the District of Nebraska, Magistrate Judge, 2017-2024
Memberships
Nebraska State Bar Association
Robert M. Spire Inns of Court, Counselor of the Inn, 2017-2024
Nebraska Supreme Court, State and Federal Judicial Council, 2018-present
United States District Court for the District of Nebraska Court Security Committee, Chairperson, 2018-present
Consortium of Tribal, State and Federal Courts, 2019-present
Nebraska State Bar Foundation, Mock Trial Chair, 2020-present
Federal Judges Association
Honors and Awards
University of Nebraska at Omaha School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Rising Star Alumni Achievement Award, 2010
Nebraska Supreme Court, Distinguished Judge, Service to the Community Award, 2011
National College of Probate Judges, Treat Award for Excellence, 2013
Nebraska State Bar Foundation, Lifetime Fellow, 2016
Nebraska State Bar Foundation, Public Service Award, 2016
University of Nebraska at Omaha School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Alumni Award for Excellence in Public Service, 2023
Former Memberships
County Judges Association, President, 2012-2013
Douglas County, Nebraska, Criminal Justice System Management Council, Vice Chair, 2012
Nebraska Supreme Court Commission on Guardianships and Conservatorships, 2012-2016
Co-Chair, 2012-2016
Robert M. Spire Inns of Court, President, 2013-2014
Nebraska Supreme Court, Advisory Council on Public Guardian, 2015-2016
Chairperson, 2015-2016
Federal Magistrate Judges Association, 8th Circuit Director, 2022-2024
Archive
Investiture (July 11, 2024)(link is external)
Speeches
- New Lawyers, 2017
- OBA Memorial Program, 2018
- Naturalization Speech