Applications Sought for Appointment as a Lawyer Representatives to the Ninth Circuit for the Western District of Washington

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS:

The Federal Bar Association’s Nominations Committee is accepting applications for three open Lawyer Representative positions for the Western District of Washington to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference. The Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference brings the nearly 600 judicial officers and attorneys who practice before them together to discuss important issues and programs to improve the administration of justice. Lawyer Representatives are appointed by the Circuit, District, Bankruptcy, and Magistrate Judges in the Western District of Washington to serve a three-year appointment. Past Lawyer Representatives have found this to be a very rewarding and fulfilling professional experience, as well as an exceptional opportunity to work closely and collaborate with federal judges. All attorneys admitted to practice in the Western District of Washington are encouraged to apply.

There are nine lawyer representative positions for the Western District of Washington, each serving staggered terms. The three new Lawyer Representatives will serve from January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2022. Geographic diversity is considered. The Court further desires to balance the selection between those with Civil, Criminal, and Bankruptcy practices. Finally, the Court is committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. People of color, indigenous people, LGBTQ individuals, women and gender non-conforming individuals are encouraged to apply.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Lawyer Representatives attend the annual Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference, held in the summer of each year. They are eligible to participate in various Ninth Circuit and District Court liaison activities and committees. If elected Chair of their class, they serve on the Lawyer Representatives Coordinating Committee (LRCC) for the Circuit and they participate in at least two additional meetings outside the District such as the Conference Executive Committee, Chief District Judges Annual Meeting, or the Chief Bankruptcy Judges Annual meeting.

This link provides more information about the role of a Ninth Circuit Lawyer Representative: https://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/content/view_lawrep.php?pk_id=0000000907

Those who most enthusiastically embrace the role will gain the most from their service. Locally, Lawyer Representatives also assist the federal judiciary to organize its Annual Meeting of the Western District of Washington, held each year in the spring.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applicants should submit a cover letter and the attached application. Your cover letter should be no more than 500 words and include background information about yourself, your thoughts regarding improving the administration of justice within the District and the Circuit, as well as your ability to commit the time necessary to fulfill the duties of appointment. Please also include three references with your application materials, any involvement in Federal Bar Association committees or other associated experience along with any significant case work in the federal courts or related work.

Application materials should be submitted no later than July 22, 2019 to:

business.FBAWDWA@gmail.com

Download the application here:

Applications will be screened, and appointments will be made by the Judges in the Western District of Washington. Successful applicants will be notified by the Court.