Staff Reports
The Florida Bar on Wednesday announced that the deadline had been extended for applications for one lawyer vacancy on each of the state’s 26 Judicial Nominating Commissions (JNCs).
They are the nine-member panels that recommend lawyers for judgeships. The Bar recommends some JNC members, but all are ultimately selected by the governor.
Specifically, “five members are appointed directly by the Governor, and the Bar sends nominations to the Governor to fill the remaining four spots,” the Bar’s website explains.
As of now, the Bar must nominate three lawyers for each JNC to the Governor for his appointment. Each appointee will serve a four-year term starting this July 1.
JNCs throw great weight in determining the makeup of the state’s judiciary.
In Florida, Republican lawmakers have long complained about “judicial overreach,” and new GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis also has criticized judges who don’t respect the “separation of powers.”
Lawyers interested in applying can click here to download the application, or can call Bar headquarters at (850) 561-5757 to get an application form.
Completed applications must be received no later than 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 4. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application.
The Bar’s Board of Governors will review all applications and may request telephone or personal interviews.
