Nominated by George W. Bush Name Cynthia Rufe | Preceded by Norma Levy Shapiro Role Judge | |
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Alma mater Adelphi University
University at Buffalo Law School Education University at Buffalo Law School, Adelphi University | ||
Cynthia M. Rufe (born 1948) is a District Judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. She joined the court in 2002 after being nominated by President George W. Bush.
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Early life and education
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Rufe graduated from Adelphi University with her bachelor's degree in 1970 and later from University at Buffalo Law School with a Juris Doctor degree in 1977.
Legal career
Following law school graduation, Rufe served as a public defender in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, spending much of her tenure there in the juvenile division. She became a deputy public defender in 1980. Soon thereafter, she left government service to practice privately. She practiced in her own firm for 11 years, gaining prominence in the local legal community. In 1994, she was elected as a judge of the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas, where she served for eight years, until 2002.
Federal Judicial Career
On the recommendation of Senators Arlen Specter and Rick Santorum, Rufe was nominated to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania by President George W. Bush on January 23, 2002 to a seat vacated by Norma Shapiro. Rufe was confirmed by the Senate on April 30, 2002 on a Senate vote and received her commission on May 3, 2002.