on january 19, 1966 president lyndon johnson nominated fullam to the eastern district, to a seat vacated by judge abraham lincoln freedman. fullam was confirmed by the united states senate on august 10, 1966, and received commission on august 11, 1966. fullam served as chief judge from 1986 to 1990 and assumed senior status on april 1, 1990. he took inactive senior status on april 15, 2011.