Ernest C. Torres

Who is Ernest C. Torres?

Ernest C. Torres is a former United States federal judge.

Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Torres received an A.B. from Dartmouth College in 1963 and a J.D. from Duke University School of Law in 1968. He was in private practice in Providence, Rhode Island from 1968 to 1980. He was a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives from 1975 to 1980, serving as deputy minority leader from 1977 to 1980. He was an Associate justice, Rhode Island Superior Court from 1980 to 1985. He was an Assistant vice president in charge of national staff counsel, Aetna Life Insurance Company from 1985 to 1986. He was in private practice in Providence, Rhode Island from 1986 to 1988.

Torres was a federal judge on the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island. Torres was nominated by President Ronald Reagan on June 22, 1987, to a seat vacated by Bruce M. Selya. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on November 5, 1987, and received his commission on November 6, 1987. He served as chief judge from 1999-2006. He assumed senior status on December 1, 2006 and retired June 1, 2011.