Washington, DC- On Friday, September 27, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) announces she will accept applications to fill the federal judgeship vacancy created by the taking of senior status of Judge Myron Thompson in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama. Applications are online at www.alfedscreening.com and will be due by Friday, October 18, 2013.

Congresswoman Sewell has set up a Screening Committee for Federal District Judgeships in the State of Alabama to assist her with assessing candidates for recommendations that will be made to President Obama 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 be tasked with assessing each candidate’s legal qualifications and ability to serve as a federal judge by reviewing all applications and conducting interviews with applicants. In assessing qualifications, the Committee will consider the following: judicial temperament, character and integrity, legal experience especially federal practice, and a candidate’s commitment to equal justice. 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 Myron Thompson for the more than 33 years of service he has rendered as a US District Judge for the Middle District of Alabama. As one of Alabama’s first black federal judges, Judge Thompson has blazed the path that so many of us now follow. Judge Thompson has been an outstanding jurist with a keen legal mind and superior judicial temperament. He has served this nation and our state with incredible distinction and I wish him well,” Congresswoman Sewell said. “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.”

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Contact: Hillary Beard             202.225.2665            Hillary.Beard@mail.house.gov