Judge Daniel Mack Traynor Confirmed to U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit

UND School of Law Celebrates the Accomplishment of Distinguished Alumnus

The University of North Dakota School of Law proudly congratulates alumnus Judge Dan Traynor on his confirmation by the United States Senate yesterday afternoon to serve as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

A member of the UND School of Law Class of 1997, Judge Traynor joins the Eighth Circuit with a wealth of judicial experience and a longstanding commitment to public service and the rule of law.

Judge Traynor will fill the seat being vacated by fellow UND School of Law alumnus Judge Ralph R. Erickson, who is retiring from the Eighth Circuit. The transition highlights the enduring legacy of UND Law graduates serving at the highest levels of the federal judiciary and reflects the school’s longstanding tradition or preparing exceptional legal professionals.

The UND School of Law is immensely proud of Judge Traynor’s confirmation and this remarkable accomplishment. His appointment reflects the excellence, integrity, and leadership that UND Law graduates bring to the legal profession and serve as an inspiration to current students, fellow alumni, and the broader legal community.

We extend our sincere congratulations to Judge Traynor as he begins this important new chapter of service on the federal bench and wish him continued success on the Eighth Circuit.

About Judge Daniel Mack Traynor

Daniel Mack Traynor was born in 1970 in Devils Lake, North Dakota. He earned an undergraduate degree from the University of North Dakota and received a Juris Doctor from the University of North Dakota School of Law. He served as a law clerk at the North Dakota Supreme Court, before entering the private practice of law.

Federal Judicial Service:
Judge, U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota
Nominated by Donald J. Trump on September 19, 2019, to a seat vacated by Daniel L. Hovland. Confirmed by the Senate on December 19, 2019, and commission issued on January 13, 2020.

Confirmed as Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
Nominated by Donald J. Trump on May 12, 2026, to a seat to be vacated by Ralph R. Erickson. Confirmed by the Senate on July 23, 2026. Commission not yet issued.

Education:
University of North Dakota, B.A., 1994
University of North Dakota School of Law, J.D., 1997

Professional Career:

Law clerk, Hon. Gerald W. VandeWalle, North Dakota Supreme Court, 1997-1998
Assistant city attorney, Devils Lake, North Dakota, 1998-2020
Private practice, Devils Lake, North Dakota, 1998-2020