Cleland was born in
St. Clair, Michigan. He received a
Bachelor of Arts degree from
Michigan State University in 1969 and a
Juris Doctor from the
University of North Carolina School of Law in 1972. He was in private practice in
Port Huron, Michigan from 1972 to 1975. He was a county assistant prosecuting attorney of Port Huron from 1972 to 1980, serving as chief assistant from 1977 to 1980. He was elected prosecuting attorney of
Saint Clair County, Michigan in 1980, and was re-elected twice, serving in that position from 1981 to 1990.
Federal judicial service On February 20, 1990, Cleland was nominated by President
George H. W. Bush to a seat on the
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan vacated by Judge
James Paul Churchill. Cleland was confirmed by the
United States Senate on June 18, 1990, and received his commission on June 19, 1990. He assumed
senior status on February 28, 2013. ==References==