PROVIDENCE, RI – U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse today outlined the process for ensuring there are highly-qualified applicants to fill the vacancy on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit (First Circuit) that was created by Judge O. Rogeriee Thompson announcing her plan to take senior status. Judge Thompson will continue hearing cases, but on a more limited basis.
As Reed and Whitehouse commence their search for a new judge to sit on the First Circuit, they say the goal is a merit-based process that identifies a diverse pool of highly-qualified candidates with a wide breadth of experience and perspective who can serve with professionalism, integrity, and distinction.
Candidates must possess outstanding legal ability and demonstrate a strong commitment to equal justice.
All interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Senator Reed’s office (1000 Chapel View Boulevard, Suite 290, Cranston, RI 02920) by August 4, 2021, or e mail it to: First_Circuit@reed.senate.gov.
The First Circuit, based in Boston, hears appeals of federal cases from Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Puerto Rico. The First Circuit is one of 13 appellate courts that sit just below the U.S. Supreme Court.
It is customary for the President to ask U.S. Senators for recommendations for judicial appointments, although ultimately it is the President’s role to nominate a candidate who must then be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
