Sarah Evans Barker

Education and career

Born in Mishawaka, Indiana, Barker received a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University in 1965 and a Juris Doctor from American University Washington College of Law in 1969. She was a legislative assistant for United States Representative Gilbert Gude in 1969 and for United States Senator Charles H. Percy from 1969 to 1971. She was a special counsel to the United States Senate Government Operations Committee, permanent Subcommittee on Investigations in Washington, D.C. from 1971 to 1972. She was a director of research and director of scheduling and advance to Senator Percy's re-election campaign in 1972. She then served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of Indiana from 1972 to 1976, and as a First Assistant United States Attorney from 1976 to 1977. She was in private practice in Indianapolis, Indiana from 1977 to 1981. She was the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana from 1981 to 1984.

Federal judicial service

On February 14, 1984, Barker was nominated by President Ronald Reagan to a seat on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana vacated by Judge Cale James Holder. Barker was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 13, 1984, and received her commission the following day. She served as Chief Judge from 1994 to 2000. Barker assumed senior status effective June 30, 2014.