U.S. District Judge David Sam has joined three other federal judges in taking senior status, an alternative to retirement in which they continue working with a reduced case load.
At 66, Sam joins Judges Bruce Jenkins, David K. Winder and J. Thomas Greene in senior status.Utah's federal bench now includes five district judges -- one position is vacant -- plus magistrates and bankruptcy judges.
As an 18-year-old, Sam joined the LDS Church and came to Utah to study at Brigham Young University. He graduated from University of Utah's law school in 1960 and was called to active duty in the Air Force the following year.
Sam began his law practice in Duchesne. He served as county attorney and was elected to the Duchesne County Commission.
In 1976, Sam was appointed as a judge in the state's 4th District Court in Provo. President Ronald Reagan nominated Sam to the U.S. District Court in 1985.