Kirk announces bipartisan federal judicial review commission

U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk has formed a bipartisan, statewide Judicial Review Commission to recommend Federal District Court Judges for Illinois. Sen. Kirk's Commission will extensively review the applications, interview the applicants, and provide informed recommendations to ensure a successful process for submitting the most qualified federal judicial candidates to the President. Senator Kirk plans to work closely with Sen. Durbin (D-IL), who has formed a similar committee. There are currently three judicial vacancies on the district court for the northern district of Illinois. "This panel will provide non-partisan recommendations for filling judicial openings in our federal court," said Kirk. "With the help of this statewide Commission we will submit the strongest applicants from Illinois for consideration by the President and U.S. Senate." Qualified applicants for federal judgeships can find an application here. The application is similar to those used by the Senate Judiciary Committee; the deadline for submission is March 18, close of business. Senator Kirk's screening committee includes 14 members, and will be chaired by Peter Baugher of Schopf & Weiss LLP. "This is an outstanding Commission," said Baugher. "It includes prominent civil and criminal practitioners, business lawyers, leaders of bar Associations, a former US District Judge, a law professor, and a senior member of the Illinois Congressional Delegation — all committed to helping Senator Kirk find the best women and men to serve as federal court judges." Additional Commission members include: Former Federal Court Judge Wayne Andersen of JAMS Arbitration, Mediation, and ADR Services; Keith Beyler of the Southern Illinois University School of Law; U.S. Congresswoman Judy Biggert; James Buda, General Counsel at Caterpillar Inc; Roxane Busey of Baker & McKenzie LLP; James Figliulo of Figliulo & Silverman, P.C.; Victor Henderson of Holland & Knight LLP, Larry Kuster of Rammelkamp Bradney; Lynn Mirabella of Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC; James Montana of Vedder Price P.C.; Jennifer Nijman of Nijman Franzetti LLP; Richard Porter of Kirkland & Ellis LLP; and Ronald Safer of Schiff Harden LLP. Once Senator Kirk makes recommendations, the President will submit a nomination to the U.S. Senate after which the Senate Judiciary Committee will review the nominee and vote on whether the nominee should be considered by the full Senate.