Chief Judge D. Brooks Smith of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit announces the application process for a bankruptcy judgeship in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, seated in Reading.  A bankruptcy judge is appointed to a 14-year term pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §152.         

            To be qualified for appointment an applicant must:

(a)        Be a member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of at least one state, the        District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and a member in good     standing of every other bar of which they are members. 

(b)        (1) Possess, and have a reputation for, integrity and good character; (2) possess, and have             demonstrated, a commitment to equal justice under the law; (3) possess, and have demonstrated, outstanding legal ability and competence; (4) indicate by demeanor,           character, and personality that the applicant would exhibit judicial temperament if        appointed; and (5) be of sound physical and mental health sufficient to perform the         essential duties of the office.

(c)        Not be related by blood or marriage to (1) a judge of the United States Court of Appeals   for the Third Circuit; (2) a member of the Judicial Council of the Third Circuit; or (3) a judge of the district court to be served, within the degrees specified in 28 U.S.C. § 458, at   the time of the initial appointment.

(d)       Have been engaged in the active practice of law for a period of at least five years.  The     Judicial Council may consider other suitable legal experience as a substitute for the active practice of law. 

            The selection process will be confidential and competitive.  At present, the annual salary for this position is $194,028.  Persons shall be considered without regard to race, color, age, gender, religion, national origin, disability, or religious affiliation.  The name of the candidate selected for the position will be published for public comment prior to appointment.  The name of the person selected will also be submitted to the Director of the Administrative Office, who shall request background reports by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).  In addition, a nominee for a bankruptcy judgeship may be required by the court of appeals to complete a preliminary disclosure statement after being selected for appointment by the court of appeals and prior to preparation of the background reports by the FBI and IRS.  The disclosure must be filed with the court of appeals and will be considered confidential.  The individual selected must comply with the financial disclosure requirements pursuant to the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, Pub. L. No. 95-521, 92 Stat. 1824 (1978) (codified as amended at 5 U.S.C. app. §§ 101-111).

            The application process is entirely automated. No paper applications will be accepted.  Applications must be submitted electronically by noon on August 22, 2019.  Applications must be submitted only by the potential nominee personally.  To apply, go to www.ca3.uscourts.gov for more information or call the Circuit Executive’s Office at 215-597-0718.