WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) announced that they are accepting applications for two new vacancies on the federal bench in the Western District of Washington created by Chief Judge Ricardo Martinez and Judge Richard Jones’ recent election of senior status. Senators Cantwell and Murray have engaged a bipartisan Judicial Merit Selection Committee to screen and interview candidates. The Committee will then make recommendations to the two U.S. Senators, who will make a final recommendation to the White House to fill these vacancies.
Those interested in being considered for appointment to the federal bench should provide the Committee with their personal background and professional information in the form of responses to an application. Only individuals who have fully completed the application and provided the requested materials will be considered. After review of responses to the application, the Committee will determine whom it will interview. The deadline for completing the application and providing the required information is January 25, 2022. Further submission instructions are contained in the application document.
The application is available on the Court’s website (www.wawd.uscourts.gov) as well as the website for the Federal Bar Association (www.fba-wdwash.org) and shall be submitted electronically to the Committee Co-chairs. All applications will be held confidential by the Committee. For those candidates forwarded to the Senators, their applications will be shared with the Senators, their staff, Senate Judiciary Committee staff, and the White House Counsel’s office. Any candidate submitted to the Senators may be subject to a full background investigation by federal law enforcement, further vetting by Senate staff, and Senate confirmation.
Those who previously applied for a vacancy in the Western District of Washington need only respond by letter (no longer than two pages) to the Committee Co-chairs to confirm their interest and provide any relevant updates.
For further information about the application process and contact information for the Committee Co-chairs, see HERE.