Norton's Federal Law Enforcement Nominating Commission Now Accepting Applications (4/10/09)
Norton's Federal Law Enforcement Nominating Commission Accepting Applications for U.S. Attorney for District of Columbia
April 10, 2009
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 United States Attorney for the District of Columbia. Application questionnaires can be accessed online. The Congresswoman was granted Senatorial courtesy by President Obama to fill certain law enforcement positions, including U.S. District Judge and U.S. Marshal. She has a appointed 17-member Commission of D.C. residents who will conduct investigations and interviews and vet applicants, then give the names of the best-qualified candidates to the Congresswoman. Norton, after doing her own due diligence on the recommendations, will indicate her preferences for the positions to the President, who makes nominations for confirmation by the Senate.
Application questionnaires may be obtained by visiting the Congresswoman's website or contacting Sheila Bunn in the Congresswoman's office 202-225-8050. Resumes are welcome but not required.
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 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005 by 5 pm on Monday, May 11, 2009. The Commission will evaluate applicants on personal and professional qualities, including integrity, legal ability and experience, and impartiality. Diversity also is important in federal appointments.
President Clinton was the first president to extend this courtesy to a member of Congress from the District and to District residents. As a result, the Congresswoman was responsible for the appointments of Eric Holder, the first African American United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, now U.S. Attorney General, Wilma A. Lewis, the first woman to serve in that post, and 12 United States district court judges. All were taken from Norton's recommendations from her Commission and were praised by the Bar and the public. In addition to federal responsibilities, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia performs criminal law enforcement functions usually reserved for an elected District Attorney.
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