Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Coleman received an Artium Baccalaureus degree from Harvard University in 1905 and a Bachelor of Laws from Harvard Law School in 1909.

During this time, he was also an instructor at the University of Maryland Law School from 1914 to 1917, Secretary of the Maryland Educational Survey Committee in 1916, and was a Private in the United States Army during World War I in 1918.

[1] Coleman received a recess appointment from President Calvin Coolidge on April 6, 1927, to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, to a new seat authorized by 44 Stat.

He was nominated to the same position by President Coolidge on December 6, 1927.

He was confirmed by the United States Senate on December 19, 1927, and received his commission the same day.