Warren Keith Urbom — United States District Judge from Nebraska

Early life and education

Urbom was born in Atlanta, Nebraska. He pursued higher education at Nebraska Wesleyan University before continuing studies at the University of Michigan. His academic and early professional experiences prepared him for a long career in public service and the federal judiciary.

Federal judicial service and role

Appointed in 1970, Urbom served on the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska until his retirement in 2014. As a district judge, his responsibilities included conducting trials, ruling on motions, instructing juries, and issuing written opinions that applied federal statutes and constitutional principles to disputes originating in Nebraska. District courts are the general trial courts of the federal system, handling both civil cases arising under federal law and criminal prosecutions brought by the United States.

Work and significance

During his tenure, Urbom handled significant and varied dockets that reflected the full scope of federal jurisdiction. While individual cases vary in profile, the long service of a district judge contributes to continuity in legal interpretation and the administration of justice at the regional level. Judges in this role often influence local legal practice through precedent, courtroom procedure, and mentorship of younger lawyers and clerks.

Legacy and death

Urbom retired in 2014 after more than forty years on the federal bench. He died on July 28, 2017, in Lincoln, Nebraska, at the age of 91. He is remembered in Nebraska for his long public service and steady presence in the federal judiciary.

Quick facts

• Born: December 17, 1925, Atlanta, Nebraska.
• Education: Nebraska Wesleyan University; University of Michigan.
• Federal appointment: Nominated to the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska by President Richard Nixon.
• Service: 1970–2014; retired and later died in 2017 in Lincoln.

For general information on the role of U.S. district judges and the structure of the federal courts, consult authoritative legal resources and court websites for further context.