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Meet Federal Judge William Osteen's replacement: Judge William Osteen.

The Senate on Monday confirmed William Osteen Jr. to serve as a U.S. District Court Judge for the Middle District of North Carolina, which is based in Greensboro.

Osteen will replace his father, who has served on the same bench for nearly 16 years.

The younger Osteen has practiced criminal and civil law in Greensboro for nearly 20 years and is a graduate of the UNC-Chapel Hill law school.

"It will be my privilege to resign so that my son can take my place," the elder Osteen said.

A 1994 law prevents relatives closer than first cousins from serving on the same federal bench.

His father said the newly minted judge nearly dropped out of the running for the job when he learned that it would force him to retire. Osteen said he encouraged his son to keep pursuing the job.

The younger Osteen did not return a call to his office Monday.

The two practiced law together for about five years before the elder Osteen became a judge.

"That, by the way, was the most rewarding time of my professional career, to be able to practice law with my son," he said. The younger Osteen has two brothers, neither of whom are lawyers.

Osteen Jr. was appointed by President Bush at the recommendation of U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Dole and Richard Burr of North Carolina.

He was one of two federal judges for North Carolina confirmed by the Senate on Monday. Martin Reidinger was appointed to the Western District bench.

"Both men have shown they possess the experience and qualifications to do an outstanding job as federal judges. I look forward to Martin and Bill beginning their service for the people of North Carolina," Burr said in a statement.

Contact Mark Binker at (919) 832-5549 or mbinker@news-record.com