Matia was nominated by President
George H. W. Bush on June 27, 1991, to the
United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, to a new seat created by . He was confirmed by the
United States Senate on November 15, 1991, and received his commission on November 18, 1991. He served as Chief Judge from 1999 to 2004. During his time as a judge, he was notable for restoring
John Demjanjuk's United States citizenship in 1998 but later revoking it in 2002 after a new trial. He assumed
senior status on December 31, 2004. Matia's service ended on May 31, 2005, due to retirement. Matia later worked for the Porter Wright Morris & Arthur law firm in its Cleveland office, but has since retired. ==References==