Chief Judge Michael A. Chagares of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit announces the application process for a bankruptcy judgeship in the District of New Jersey, seated in Trenton. 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 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 they 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) At the time of the initial appointment, not be related by blood or marriage, within the degrees specified in 28 U.S.C. § 458, 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.

(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 $223,836. Applicants shall be considered without regard to race, color, sex, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age (40 years and over), or disability. The name of the person selected will 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 that includes questions seeking sensitive financial and personal information. The disclosure must be filed with the court of appeals and will be kept 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 March 6, 2024. Applications must be submitted only by the applicant personally, indicating the applicant’s willingness to serve if selected. To apply, go to www.ca3.uscourts.gov for more information or call the Circuit Executive’s Office at 215-597-0718.