[6] Brookman began his legal career as an associate for Brown & James in St. Louis, Missouri, from 1993 to 1994.

[3] As an assistant U.S. Attorney, Brookman was involved in prosecuting the quadruple homicide case of United States v. Jarvis Brown, et al.

In 2010, Brookman received the Director's Award from Attorney General Eric Holder for his work on the case.

[7] Brookman was appointed as a United States magistrate judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana on September 14, 2015, to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Judge William G. Hussmann, who retired on January 31, 2016.

President Biden nominated Brookman to the seat to be vacated by Judge Richard L. Young, who announced his intent to assume senior status upon confirmation of a successor.