July/August 2006 issue
New Judge for 8th Circuit: Bobby E. Shepherd
On July 20, 2006, U.S.
Magistrate Judge Bobby E.
Shepherd was confirmed as a
Circuit Judge for the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the
Eighth Circuit. He will fill the vacancy that will
be left by Circuit Judge Morris S. Arnold, when
he takes senior status on October 9.
Judge Shepherd is only the second person to
move directly from being a U.S. Magistrate
Judge to a Circuit Court of Appeals Judge. The
first was Barry G. Silverman in the 9th Circuit.
Bobby E. Shepherd was born in Arkadelphia,
Arkansas, in 1951. He received his
undergraduate degree from Ouachita Baptist
University in 1973. He graduated with honors
from the University of Arkansas Law School in
1976, where he served as editor of the law
review.
After graduating from law school he joined the
firm of Spencer & Spencer, where he practiced
as an associate until 1981. During this time he
also served in the U.S. Army Reserve. In 1981
he became a partner in the firm. In 1984 he
established his own practice, where he worked
until he was appointed as a Circuit-Chancery
Judge for the Arkansas Thirteenth Judicial
District in 1991.
In 1993 he was appointed to serve as a U.S.
Magistrate Judge for the Western District of
Arkansas. During his time on the federal bench
he has written more than 2000 opinions on
federal topics such as social security, habeas
corpus, and civil rights.
Plans for Judge Shepherd’s swearing in and
investiture are forthcoming. Welcome, Judge
Shepherd!