Norton Commission Accepting Applications for Fourth Judgeship

Norton Federal Law Enforcement Nominating Commission Accepting Applications for Fourth Judgeship for the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today announced that her Federal Law Enforcement Nominating Commission is presently accepting applications for a fourth vacancy for Judgeship on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Individuals who have previously submitted applications for a federal judge position within the past six months do not need to submit a new application, but should submit a letter of interest if they desire to be considered for this vacancy if they are not selected for the judgeship for which they have already interviewed. The Congresswoman has submitted her recommendations to the President for the first three vacancies, but the final decision must be made by the President and announced by the White House. Applications for this vacancy will be accepted Nov. 2 through Dec. 2. The Commission will vet and interview applicants and make recommendations to the Congresswoman, who will then recommend candidates to President Barack Obama for submission as nominees to be confirmed by the Senate.

Criteria for evaluating candidates for the positions include: integrity, professional skills and experience, impartiality, industry, good health, high respect in the legal and local community, respect for the Bill of Rights and for the rights of all litigants, entities and parties, judicial temperament, ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, demonstrated commitment to equal justice, and decisiveness. Diversity also is important in federal appointments.

Applicants must submit 20 completed copies of the application questionnaires to the office of Pauline A. Schneider, Chair, Federal Law Enforcement Nominating Commission, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, Columbia Center, 1152 15^th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005 by 5 pm on Wed., Dec. 2, 2009.