 Lieb received a recess appointment from President Dwight D. Eisenhower on August 13, 1955, to a seat on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida vacated by Judge John W. Holland.He was nominated to the same position by President Eisenhower on January 12, 1956.He was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 1, 1956, and received his commission the next day.