U.S. Chief District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan Jr.

Federal Judicial Service:
Judge, U. S. District Court, Western District of Missouri
Nominated by George H.W. Bush on May 16, 1991, to a seat vacated by Russell G. Clark; Confirmed by the Senate on July 18, 1991, and received commission on August 2, 1991. Served as chief judge, 2007-present.

Education:
Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas, B.S., 1970
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, J.D., 1974

Professional Career:
Attorney, Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, 1974-1980
Judge, Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Missouri, 1980-1986
Judge, Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District, 1986-1991

Contact Information

Fernando J. Gaitan Jr., Chief District Judge			816-512-5630
Marylynn Shawver, Judicial Assistant Rhonda Enss, Courtroom Deputy Gayle Wambolt, Court Reporter		marylynn_shawver@mow.uscourts.gov rhonda_enss@mow.uscourts.gov gayle_wambolt@mow.uscourts.gov	816-512-5630 816-512-5644 816-512-5641
Patricia Rosa, Career Law Clerk Jo Powers, Career Law Clerk Coretta Catlin, Law Clerk		*Please contact JA or CRD for assistance. Do not contact Law Clerks.
Address:	400 E. 9th Street Room 7552 Kansas City, MO 64106
Courtroom:	7C

Opinions

Search opinions or login to PACER for the official record.

Scheduling & Trial Orders

The example Scheduling and Trial Order posted on the Court's website is for informational purposes only. The parties are not to submit Local Rule 16.1(d) information in the form of an order. The Court will issue its own Scheduling and Trial Order based on the Joint Proposed Discovery Plan filed by the parties.

Civil Scheduling and Trial Orders for Jury Trials

Jury Instructions

View 8th Circuit Model Jury Instructions Site

Audio-Visual Equipment in Courtroom

Prior to trial, we urge all attorneys to schedule an appointment to test equipment. Visit our Courtroom Technology & Equipment page to view details regarding available technologies. For any additional requests or to view the equipment prior to a court hearing, please contact Rhonda Enss, Courtroom Deputy, at 816-512-5644.