In 1955, White became a trial judge of the United States Court of Claims. He was in active service as a judge of that court until 1971, when he became a senior trial judge.[1] On October 1, 1982, White was appointed by operation of law as senior judge holding a new seat on the United States Court of Federal Claims, authorized by 96 Stat. 27.[1] However, because the statute made no specific provision for such an appointment, on November 10, 1982, he received a recess appointment from President Ronald Reagan as a judge in regular active service in the same seat.[2] He served in this capacity for nine days before once again assuming senior status on November 19, 1982, serving in this capacity until his death, in Washington, D.C.[1] White was one of several judges originally assigned to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims for whom no successor was appointed.[2]