The United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio Chief Judge Sarah D. Morrison is pleased to announce that Samuel Courter Morris Shimeall was officially sworn in on March 16 as a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Columbus.

“We are thrilled to welcome Judge Shimeall to our Court," said Chief Judge Morrison. "His extensive experience in the federal system gives him a profound understanding of the law and the mission of our Court. We are confident he will serve the public with great distinction.”

Judge Shimeall transitions to the bench following several years as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. Since 2018, he has represented the government in high-stakes criminal matters, including cases involving financial fraud, money laundering, and violent crime.

His appointment marks a homecoming to the District’s judicial chambers, where he previously served as a law clerk to U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. and U.S. Magistrate Judge Kimberly A. Jolson. Before his federal service, he practiced litigation at Bricker & Eckler LLP and dedicated several years to education, teaching middle school in Watts, California, and working for Teach For America.

“It is an honor to serve the citizens of this district from the bench,” Judge Shimeall said. “I am grateful for all of the help I received along the way in my career, and I am grateful to the District Judges of the Southern District of Ohio for this opportunity. I am dedicated to the rule of law, and my goal is to be a steady, fair presence on the bench."

A graduate of the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, Judge Shimeall fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Preston Deavers.