Judicial Nominations - Judge Bobby E. Shepherd

Judge Bobby E. Shepherd

Confirmed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit

Confirmed on July 20, 2006

Bobby Shepherd was confirmed on July 20, 2006, to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, which hears appeals from the federal district courts of Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Judge Shepherd has a distinguished record as a practicing attorney and magistrate judge, and possesses extensive civil and criminal litigation experience.
- While a practicing attorney, Judge Shepherd engaged in a general practice. His clients included banks, small businesses, individuals, and families
- As a federal magistrate judge since 1993, Judge Shepherd has written more than 2000 opinions addressing various areas of federal law, including Social Security, habeas corpus, civil rights, and criminal misdemeanors. Prior to his service on the federal bench, Judge Shepherd served as a circuit-chancery judge in the 13th Judicial District.
Judge Shepherd has excellent academic credentials and academic training.
- He graduated magna cum laude from Ouachita Baptist University in 1973, and received his J.D. with high honors in 1976 from the University of Arkansas Law School, where he was an editor of the Law Review.
Judge Shepherd has long served his country through both his public and military service. He has provided his legal services on a voluntary basis and dedicated significant time to improving the administration of the law.

Judge Shepherd served our nation in the Army Reserve from 1973 until 1981.
Judge Shepherd has used his legal skills to assist non-profit organizations on a pro bono basis. He has served on the board of his local Boys and Girls Club, as an officer of the local Red Cross, on the board of the Arkansas Baptist Children’s Home, and as a deacon in his church.
He also has been president of his county bar association, chairman of the Arkansas Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts Foundation, an officer of the Arkansas Supreme Court Client Security Fund Committee, and a frequent presenter at continuing legal education programs.