Have 12 years of law experience and want to wear a robe to work? Apply to be RI's next federal judge.

PROVIDENCE — The search is on for a new U.S. District Court judge for the District of Rhode Island at a time when President Joe Biden is emphasizing the importance of diversifying the federal bench.

Judge William E. Smith late last month notified the president that he would be assuming senior status Jan. 1, 2025, opening up a prized seat on the federal bench that considers civil, criminal and maritime matters.

U.S. Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse announced this week that they would be accepting applications through July 28 and laid out the process for interested lawyers to follow.

They are seeking applicants with an “outstanding legal ability” who “demonstrate a strong commitment to equal justice.” They must have at least 12 years of legal experience.

The senators cautioned candidates to anticipate a lengthy confirmation process that “can impact an attorney’s client work” that will include a broad review of an applicant’s life.

`Lengthy' confirmation process to be expected

Reed and Whitehouse emphasized that the goal is a merit-based process that identifies a diverse pool of highly qualified candidates with a wide breadth of experience and perspective who can serve with “professionalism, integrity, and distinction.”

Carl Tobias, a professor at the University of Richmond School of Law, recently observed to The Journal that the White House has stressed diversity of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, experience and ideology in its judicial picks. He cited newly seated 1st Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Lara E. Montecalvo, who previously served as the Rhode Island public defender, as a classic example.

All interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Senator Reed’s office (1000 Chapel View Boulevard, Suite 290, Cranston, RI 02920) or  email it to: District.Court@reed.senate.gov

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Current makeup of federal court in Rhode Island

In addition to Smith, U.S. District Court in Rhode Island consists of Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr.; Judge Mary S. McElroy; and Magistrate Judges Lincoln D. Almond and Patricia A. Sullivan. Judge Smith will continue hearing cases after he takes senior status, but on a more limited basis.

It is customary for the president to ask the home-based senators for recommendations for judicial appointments, though the final nomination rests with the president. The nominee must then be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Judge Smith’s leadership

During his tenure as chief judge, Smith shepherded in lasting changes that included creating a re-entry program known as H.O.P.E. (“Helping Offenders Prepare for reEntry”) court, aimed at assisting people who have served prison time with reintegrating into society. It is overseen by Magistrate Judge Sullivan. The court also established the Deferred Sentencing Program, a post-guilty-plea program that provides treatment, supervision and services in lieu of imprisonment, with an aim toward rehabilitation.

Smith worked to cultivate a relationship between the court and the news media and allowed reporters for the first time to bring cellphones or other electronic devices into the courtroom so reporters could provide real-time coverage of court action via Twitter or other social media. The court also launched its own Twitter feed.

He was nominated by President George W. Bush in 2002 to the seat vacated by Judge Ronald R. Lagueux.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI's senators taking applications to be RI's next federal judge