Active members of the State Bar, former members of
the judiciary, and members of the public who are interested in volunteering to serve on
the 2000-2001 Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation (JNE Commis-sion) may now apply
for an appointment. The JNE Commission, established pursuant to Government Code Section
12011.5, evaluates all candidates who are under consideration for a judicial appointment
by the governor. It is composed of attorneys and public members (i.e., those who are not
lawyers or who are not admitted to practice in California) who represent a broad
cross-section of California’s diverse legal profession and general population.
Appointed by the State Bar’s Board of Governors, the volunteer commission cannot
nominate or appoint judges; it does, however, thoroughly investigate candidates for
judicial appointment while maintaining a code of strict confidentiality. Commissioners
serve terms of approximately one-year and may serve up to three consecutive terms. The
terms of the 2000-2001 JNE Commission will commence June 1, 2000, and will expire May 31,
2001.
Qualifications. The State Bar seeks applications
from public members and attorneys whose background, skills and experience would enable
them to assess candidates for judicial appointment in a thorough, objective and
professional manner and to provide timely and well-written reports. It is preferred that the public members not be
lawyers, but an attorney who works in another field and who is not admitted in California
may be considered for appointment as a public member. The attorney members serving on the
commission must be active members in good standing. Particular consideration will be given
to attorney applicants who have substantial litigation, trial and/or appellate experience.
The commission membership may include one or more former members of the judiciary, with a
preference for those with appellate backgrounds. Those who apply must be available to
attend a two-day orientation meeting to be held in June or July 2000 and must be able to
commit at least 35-40 hours each month or approximately 55 working days per year. This
time commitment includes 20-24 meeting days and 20-35 days to complete assignments. The
commission’s meetings generally are monthly, lasting two days (Friday and Saturday)
and alternate between San Francisco and Los Angeles. At least one meeting will be three
days.
Application. 1) Complete and submit the State Bar
2000-2001 application form for committee appointments (available below).
2) In your application statement describe any experience you have
with interviewing professional applicants. If a lawyer, please also describe briefly any
courtroom or appellate experience that you have had in the past five years. If you are not
a lawyer, please include a description of your professional experience, how you believe
your experience will enable you to perform as a JNE commissioner, and any experience
(other than personal) that you have had with the judicial system.
3) With your application, include at least one letter of
recommendation that can attest to your qualifications to serve on the JNE Commission.
Deadline: Submit your application by Monday, Feb.
14, 2000, to the Office of the Secretary, State Bar of California, 180 Howard, San
Francisco, CA 94105-1639. |
