Members of the bench, bar, and public are hereby notified by the District of Columbia Judicial Nomination Commission (the “Commission”) that there are 38 applicants for three pending vacancies on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Commission will submit the names of nine applicants to the President of the United States for his consideration to nominate and appoint three judges. The applicants are:

Maria-Claudia Theresa Christina Amato
Alfred Francis Belcuore
Hon. Joseph Edmund Beshouri
Rainey Ransom Brandt
Hon. Diane Marie Brenneman
Hon. Claudia A. Crichlow
Jennifer Ann Di Toro
Catharine (Kate) Friend Easterly
Hon. Diana Miriam Harris Epps
Andrew Fois
Michael Guy Geffroy
Hon. Sharon Elaine Goodie
Jeffrey Stuart Gutman
Hon. Paul Brooks Handy
Robert James Hildum
Teresa Ann Howie
Hon. Karen Aileen Howze
Dorsey Gene Jones, II
Je Yon Jung
Samuel Charles Kaplan
Hon. John Francis McCabe, Jr.
Hon. Aida Luz Melendez
Donna Mary Murphy
Nathan Allan Neal
Hon. William Ward Nooter
Robert Daniel Okun
Hon. Lori Ellyn Parker
Valencia Renae Rainey
Armando Andres Rodriguez-Feo
Elizabeth Jane Shapiro
Sean Curtis Staples
Hon. Arabella Wattles Teal
Gary Steven Thompson
Angela Cherie Thornton
Vytas Varekojis Vergeer
Hon. Steven Michael Wellner
Yvonne Michelle Williams
Hon. Elizabeth Carroll Wingo

The Commission invites comments regarding the fitness of the above-listed applicants for a judicial position on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. 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, 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 Applicant Evaluation Form to facilitate the opportunity to provide comments on the applicants’ qualifications. Comments can also be submitted by visiting the Commission’s website at [email protected]. All comments must be received by no later than October 28, 2010.

Comments submitted to the Commission are confidential and will not be released to the public or applicant. Any comments discussed with an applicant will be discussed without revealing the source of such comment, absent written consent by the individual providing the comment.

Technical problems or questions should be directed to the Commission’s Executive Director at (202) 879-0478 or [email protected].