Earlier this year, with the assistance of the District of Columbia web design team, the Judicial Nomination Commission (the “Commission”) launched a redesign of its public website at jnc.dc.gov. The website includes, among other things, notices of new judicial vacancies, notices of judicial applicants, contact information for Commission members and staff, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Commission and the application process. The FAQs section on the website has recently been updated to provide guidance to applicants who have been recommended by the Commission for a pending judicial vacancy and are considering applying for a new judicial vacancy.

Also, the redesigned website includes a web-based Applicant Evaluation Form to facilitate comments from the bench, bar and public on an applicant’s qualifications. The evaluation form is posted on the Commission’s website when the Commission announces applicants for a judicial vacancy. During the comment period, members of the legal community and the public are invited to submit comments and to evaluate applicants in eight categories: judicial temperament, professional skills and abilities, ethics, commitment to diversity, leadership and communication skills, efficiency and organizational skills, writing skills, and community service. Comments submitted to the Commission are confidential and are not released to the public or applicant. Any comments discussed with an applicant are discussed without revealing the source of such comment, absent written consent by the individual providing the comment.

The Commission encourages frequent users to tour the redesigned website and welcomes feedback. Comments concerning the website or the Commission generally shall be directed to the Commission’s Executive Director at (202) 879-0478 or [email protected].