Members of the bench, bar, and public are hereby notified that the four-year term of the Honorable Eric T. Washington as Chief Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals will expire on August 5, 2013. The District of Columbia Judicial Nomination Commission (the “Commission”) is charged with the responsibility of designating the Chief Judge from among the judges of the Court in regular, active service.
Chief Judge Washington is eligible for redesignation as Chief Judge and has notified the Commission of his interest in being redesignated. The Commission has requested that Chief Judge Washington submit a statement of interest in redesignation that addresses his achievements over the past four years and his plans for the Court over the next four years, should he be redesignated to serve as Chief Judge for a third term.
All judges in regular, active service on the District of Columbia Court of Appeals are also eligible to apply for consideration for a four-year appointment as Chief Judge, and may do so by submitting a statement of interest to the Commission. In addition, any individual, organization, or bar association may nominate an active judge for consideration for the position of Chief Judge, but must first obtain the judge’s consent. In discharging its responsibilities to designate the Chief Judge, the Commission will consider each candidate’s suitability for that position, including conducting a background investigation. Candidates shall be required to submit relevant financial and medical information and shall complete and return the following forms to the Commission:
- Authorization To Release Information (JNC Form 23)
- IRS Tax Check Waiver (JNC Form 24)
- District of Columbia Tax Check Waiver (JNC Form 25)
- Medical Certification Form (JNC Form 27)
- MPD Criminal History Request (PD Form 70)
All statements of interest and nominations shall be in writing and address the following factors, as well as any additional qualifications relevant to the office of Chief Judge: the candidate’s (a) interest in court administration; (b) administrative ability and experience; (c) ability to lead the Court of Appeals and to promote a sense of cooperation and collegiality among the judges, the Court staff, and other governmental and non-governmental entities; (d) ability to promote confidence in the Court and the judicial system; and (e) ability to provide intellectual leadership.
An original and one copy of each form, along with the statement of interest, shall be submitted to the District of Columbia Judicial Nomination Commission, Attention: Kim M. Whatley, Executive Director, 515 5th Street, NW, Suite 235, Washington, DC 20001. The statement of interest shall also be sent electronically in PDF format to the Commission’s electronic mailbox at [email protected]. The deadline for applications for consideration for the Chief Judge position is the close of business on April 15, 2013.
The Commission does not require letters of recommendation, letters of support, or endorsements, but will accept them. Such letters shall be received by the Commission by no later than May 15, 2013. The Commission will publish the names of all candidates and their written submissions on its website (www.jnc.dc.gov) and provide an opportunity for the public to comment. Any information received by the Commission is confidential and is not released to the public or candidates. Any comments discussed with candidates will be discussed without revealing the source of such comment, absent written consent by the individual providing the comment.
The Commission will also sponsor a public forum to meet and hear from the candidates for Chief Judge. The forum will be held on June 5, 2013, from 5 to 7 pm, at the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, Historic Courthouse, 430 E Street, NW, Washington DC 20001. Members of the bench, bar and public are encouraged to attend.
Questions concerning the Chief Judge designation process shall be directed to the Commission’s Executive Director at (202) 879-0478 or [email protected].