Daniel M. Traynor (born 1968) is an American lawyer and jurist who currently serves as a United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota. He was nominated to the federal bench by President Donald Trump in 2019.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1968, Traynor grew up in North Dakota. He earned his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from the University of North Dakota in 1990. He then pursued legal studies, receiving his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the University of North Dakota School of Law in 1993.
Career Before Federal Judiciary
Following his graduation from law school, Traynor entered private practice in Bismarck, North Dakota, joining the Traynor Law Firm, which had been founded by his father, John Traynor. His practice primarily focused on civil litigation, estate planning, and real estate law.
In addition to his private practice, Traynor served as a municipal judge for the City of Bismarck from 2014 until his appointment to the federal judiciary in 2019.
Federal Judicial Service
On July 15, 2019, President Donald Trump nominated Traynor to serve as a United States District Judge for the District of North Dakota. He was nominated to fill the vacancy left by Judge Ralph R. Erickson, who was elevated to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
Traynor's nomination was confirmed by the United States Senate on December 17, 2019, by a vote of 86–6. He received his judicial commission on December 19, 2019. He presides over cases in the District of North Dakota.