Washington Lawyer - September/October 2024 - 22

FEATURE
THE D.C.
JUDICIAL
NOMINATION
PROCESS
WHAT YOU
NEED
TO KNOW
By Jeffery Leon
Unlike in state courts, judges in the D.C. Courts are appointed, rather than
elected, after they've been vetted and recommended by the commission,
nominated by the president, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
Benjamin F. Wilson, vice chair of the commission, describes its work simply:
" We're here to represent the people who are not in the room, to assume
the best interests of the citizens of the District of Columbia. "
Established in 1973 under the District of Columbia's Home Rule Act, the
JNC seeks qualified candidates for vacant seats on the Superior Court of
the District of Columbia and the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.
It is also charged with designating the chief judges of both courts.
" We exercise our best judgment in nominating three people for each vacancy.
It's a very exciting time and, in our courts, a very challenging time, "
says Wilson, retired chair of Beveridge & Diamond PC, referring to delays
in the Senate confirmation process, leading to extended judicial vacancies
and overburdened dockets.
S
o, you've been thinking about
becoming a judge in the District of
Columbia. Because of the unique
structure of the District's court system
under home rule, chances are you're already
somewhat familiar with the D.C. Judicial
Nomination Commission (JNC).
22 WASHINGTON LAWYER
* SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2024
BEGINNING THE PROCESS
The JNC comprises seven members. Two are appointed by the mayor,
two by the D.C. Bar Board of Governors, one by the Council of the District
of Columbia, one by the president of the United States, and one judicial
member by the chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of
Columbia. JNC members serve six-year terms, with the exception of the
presidential appointee, who serves five years.
When a judicial vacancy occurs in the D.C. Courts - either through mandatory
retirement at age 74, the death of a judge, or a judge's decision not
to apply for reappointment - the JNC initiates the process of finding applicants
by posting a notice of judicial vacancy on its website within 30
days.
" The process of presenting yourself as a strong applicant for these roles
begins [when you submit] the application, " says JNC Chair Marie C. Johns.
To qualify, applicants must be U.S. citizens, active members of the D.C. Bar,
and have practiced law in the District for at least five years prior to applying.
The practice requirement can include experience such as serving as
a law school professor or as an attorney for the District or federal government.
Applicants must also reside in the District of Columbia.
The commission advises applicants to keep their records up to date while
working on their applications. These records include educational background
and honors, bar and court admissions, legal employment, law
specialization, court appearances and significant legal contributions,
published legal articles or books, and membership in any organization
or association.
Candidates are also encouraged to include in their application materials
reference letters from colleagues and mentors and to note any conflicts of
interest.
After applications are received, the JNC conducts extensive background
investigations, which include criminal record checks, tax and credit
Alamy
Washington Lawyer - September/October 2024

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