The Commission has received applications from the members of the bar listed below who are interested in being appointed to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals to fill the vacancies created by the retirement of the Honorable Kathryn A. Oberly and the resignation of the Honorable Loren L. AliKhan:  

Shai D. Bronshtein, Esq.  
Hon. James A. Crowell, IV  
Gregory Dolin, Esq.  
Sharon K. Donovan, Esq.  
Eric J. Konopka, Esq.  
Craig E. Leen, Esq.  
Daniel J. Lenerz, Esq.  
Hon. John W. Lui  
Stuart G. Nash, Esq.  
Ashwin P. Phatak, Esq.  
Hon. Ebony M. Scott  
Amy R. Upshaw, Esq.  

The Commission invites comments by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, regarding the fitness of the above-listed applicants for a judicial position on the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. Applicants can be evaluated with respect to eight categories:  

1. Judicial Temperament (e.g., ability to treat everyone with respect; willingness to listen with patience and courtesy; collegiality);  
2. Professional Skills and Abilities (e.g., experience; intellectual ability; analytical skills; knowledge of the law and its underlying principles; knowledge of the rules of procedure and evidence; ability and willingness to learn and develop professionally);  
3. Ethics (e.g., integrity; impartiality; objectivity; sound judgment; restraint);  
4. Commitment to Diversity (e.g., treats people equally, fairly, and with respect, regardless of gender, race, national origin, economic status, sexual orientation, or any other factor; promotes inclusiveness of women and minorities);  
5. Leadership and Communication Skills (e.g., ability to communicate clearly and succinctly; ability to inspire respect and confidence; decisiveness);
6. Efficiency and Organizational Skills (e.g., ability to work efficiently and under time constraints; ability to work constructively with others; ability to manage time);  
7. Writing Skills (e.g., ability to write clearly, concisely, and persuasively); and 
8. Community Service (e.g., pro bono activities; public service; volunteer activities; civic or charitable activities or memberships).  

The Commission has created a web-based survey to facilitate the comment process, available at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JX2KQ2Z. Comments may also be provided by   
letter and should address the above categories. Letters should be sent to the Commission via  mail (515 5th Street, NW, Suite 235, Washington, DC 20001), email ([email protected]), or fax ((202) 879-0755).  

All comments submitted to the Commission become part of an applicant's confidential file for a period of two years. They will not be publicly released or provided to the applicant. The content of any comments discussed with an applicant will not reveal the source of such comments.