TOPEKA—The 31st Judicial District Nominating Commission is seeking candidates to fill a magistrate judge vacancy in the 31st judicial district, sitting in Allen County, although the incumbent may be given assignments anywhere in the district.
The 31st judicial district includes Allen, Neosho, Wilson and Woodson counties.
Justice Lee Johnson, the Supreme Court departmental justice responsible for the 31st judicial district, said nominees can apply or be recommended, but recommendations must come on a nomination form and include the nominee's signature.
Kansas law requires that a magistrate judge be a resident of the county at the time of swearing in, be at least 30 years old, be a high school graduate or its equivalent, and, if not admitted to practice law in Kansas, be certified by the Supreme Court as qualified to serve in the job.
Recommendations must be accompanied by a nomination form available from the clerk's office in each of the district's courts in Allen, Neosho, Wilson and Woodson counties. The form is also available from the clerk of the appellate courts at the Kansas Judicial Center in Topeka and on the Kansas judicial branch website.
Completed nomination forms and supporting letters must be submitted by noon, Monday, June 13, to:
Hon. Lee A. Johnson
Kansas Supreme Court
301 SW 10th Avenue
Topeka, KS 66612-1507
The nominating commission will convene after the application period closes to interview candidates. A date for that meeting is not yet set, but interviews are open to the public.
The 31st Judicial District Nominating Commission consists of Justice Lee A. Johnson as the nonvoting chair; John K. Chenoweth and Patrick J. Martin of Fredonia; James M. Immel and Thomas R. Williams of Iola; Richard K. Pringle of Chanute; Rochelle R. Chronister of Neodesha; Nick C. Hay of Yates Center; and James G. Keath of Stark.