 Hurd was nominated by President Bill Clinton on February 12, 1999, to a seat vacated by Constantine George Cholakis.He was confirmed by the United States Senate on September 13, 1999, and received commission on September 22, 1999.He is a contributing member of the Honor Roll of ILR Donors  for Cornell University and has presided as a judge for the Cuccia Cup Moot Court Competition at Cornell Law School.