CALL FOR APPLICATIONS:
The M. Margaret McKeown Federal Bar Association for the Western District of Washington Nominations Committee is accepting applications for three open Lawyer Representative positions for the Western District of Washington to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference. The annual Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference brings together the nearly 800 judicial officers and attorneys in the district to discuss important issues and programs to improve the administration of justice. 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, 2026 – December 31, 2028. Geographic diversity is considered as is the need 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:
The annual Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference is held in the summer of each year. They are also eligible to participate in various Ninth Circuit and District Court liaison activities and committees throughout the year. 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. 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.
This link provides more information about the role of a Ninth Circuit Lawyer Representative: https://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/lawyer-representatives/
Those who most enthusiastically embrace the role will gain the most from their service.
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 Ninth 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.
Applicants must submit all the materials above to be considered for one of the three openings. Kindly read the “HOW TO APPLY” section carefully.
Application materials should be submitted no later than June 30, 2025 to:
business.FBAWDWA@gmail.com
Applications will be screened, and appointments to the three-year term will be made by the U.S District Court Judges in the Western District of Washington. Successful applicants will be notified by the Nominations Committee Chair.
For questions any about the application process, please contact Cynthia Jones, M. Margaret McKeown FBA Nominations Committee Chair at cjones@joneslegalgroup.net.
