[2] He graduated first in his class from Louisiana State University in 1986, receiving a Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude.

In 2003, he was again appointed by Governor Perry to serve as a justice of the First Court of Appeals of Texas.

From September 13, 2010 to April 22, 2015, he served as a United States magistrate judge of the Southern District of Texas.

[8] On December 16, 2014 his nomination was returned to the President due to the sine die adjournment of the 113th Congress.

[12] He received his judicial commission on April 22, 2015,[6] and was assigned to the Galveston Division of the Southern District of Texas.