BIRMINGHAM, AL – On Monday August 19, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) announces she will accept applications for recommendations to fill the federal judgeship vacancy created by the taking of senior status of Judge Lynwood Smith in the Northern District of Alabama Huntsville division.  Applications are available online at www.alfedscreening.com  and will be due on Friday, September 6, 2013.

Congresswoman Sewell has set up a Screening Committee for Federal District Judgeships in the State of Alabama to assist her with recommendations that will be made to the President to fill vacant federal judgeship positions in Alabama. The Screening Committee will include distinguished legal scholars, jurists and practitioners from the state of Alabama.  The Screening Committee will review all applications, conduct interviews with applicants and make recommendations to Congresswoman Sewell.  Nominations for federal judgeships are made solely by the President of the United States and all nominees must be confirmed by the United States Senate.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Judge Lynwood Smith for the more than 18 years of service he has rendered as a US District Judge for the Northern District of Alabama. Judge Smith has served this nation and our state with distinction and I wish him well.  By setting up a Screening Committee of legal scholars, jurists and practitioners and opening the process to all who want to be considered, we ensure a transparent process that will help me make the best recommendations to the President.” said Rep. Sewell.