Arizonans with a legal background and an eye for the bench, take note: Pima County is looking for a new Superior Court judge to replace the retiring Hon. Kenneth Lee. According to a press release, the Pima County Commission on Trial Court Appointments is officially accepting applications for the vacancy. This is a call for qualified individuals who will be scrutinized through a series of reviews and interviews by the commission.
Bringing an admirable career to a close, Judge Lee's departure sets the stage for a new chapter in the Pima County judiciary. This process isn't a sprint; it’s meticulous and demands due diligence, ensuring the chosen candidate meets the stringent criteria for this esteemed position. Aspiring applicants must clear several hurdles, including being at least 30 years of age, holding the mantle of good moral character, and having a track record that shows they have been admitted to practice law in Arizona for five years and a Pima County resident for the past year, as reported by the Pima County Commission on Trial Court Appointments.
Those aiming to apply should gather their wits and paperwork, as deadlines are looming. A complete application, with all necessary attachments plus a searchable PDF version, must be submitted to the Administrative Office of the Courts in Phoenix by the afternoon of Jan. 8, 2025. The judicial application form is accessible through the Judicial Department's website or directly from the Human Resources Department. If one's interest was piqued by the previous vacancy but didn't quite take the plunge, fret not. The commission confirms that applicants from the recent vacancy need not reapply to be considered once again for this new opportunity, as per the Pima County Commission on Trial Court Appointments.
Transparency is key in these appointments, hence all meetings of the Pima County Commission on Trial Court Appointments are open to the public. Dates for these meetings are yet to be released. The financial perks of the job are not insignificant either; currently standing at an annual $180,000, judges’ salary will see an increase to $190,000 come Jan. 1, 2025.
