Nominations for federal judgeship now being accepted

Following the announcement that U.S. District Court Judge David Lawson, Eastern District of Michigan, is taking senior status, U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters announced they are accepting applications from qualified persons interested in nomination for federal judge in the Eastern District of Michigan. Interested candidates should request an application by emailing judicialnominations@stabenow.senate.gov.

The deadline to submit an application for U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Michigan is 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 2.

"I am confident that there are many qualified people in our state who are ready to serve as federal judge for this new vacancy in the Eastern District," said Stabenow. "I strongly encourage those interested in serving to apply for this important position."

"There is a longstanding tradition of Senators evaluating and recommending highly qualified home state candidates for federal judgeships," said Peters. "Federal judges make decisions that directly affect the people of Michigan, as they work to administer justice fairly and compassionately, and I encourage qualified applicants who are interested in public service to apply for this vacancy in the Eastern District of Michigan."

It is the Senate's tradition for both home state Senators to recommend judicial nominees to the president for consideration. After someone is nominated, it is Senate procedure for the home state senators to agree to consideration of a nominee before the Senate Judiciary Committee conducts hearings and votes. This is commonly called the "blue slip" process. Nominations approved by the committee are then considered by the full Senate.

Stabenow and Peters will continue to listen to public input and consult with Michigan's legal community to ensure that our state is served by highly qualified, fair and impartial judges who put the people of Michigan first.