The search is on for Arizona's next legal eagle to perch over the Superior Court in Cochise County. Following Judge Terry Bannon's resignation, a call has been put out for qualified attorneys keen on serving as a Judge Pro Tempore. The hunt for candidates officially opened as reported on the Cochise County's website earlier this month.
The gig won't be a multi-year slog, justices hopefuls are eyeing a seat that could be theirs for up to a year, maybe more if the stars align and their service proves satisfactory. Qualifications aren’t just a mere suggestion, they’re firmly rooted in Arizona law. To get a jump on the bench, one must have resided in Arizona for at least five years, be no younger than 30, display good moral fiber, and have a legal career that’s been chugging along for at least five years, according to the official announcement by the Cochise County.
For those drafting their letters of interest in between court calls and client meetings, mark your calendars. The deadline to submit applications is August 29, by the strike of 5:00 p.m. The fine folks at Cochise County Human Resources will be collecting your resumes and accompanying documents at [email protected]. Don't forget, potential judges need to include their address, and contact info smack dab on their resume or letter to avoid any mix-ups.
Once the pile of potential judicial Joes and Janes is stacked up, the Judge Pro Tempore Selection Committee will be sifting through the applications, with interviews penciled in for the shortlisted. The lucky candidate will step into the shoes of the Honorable Terry Bannon when the position officially opens up on September 5, the announcement by the Cochise County states.
After the interviews and handshakes, the Presiding Judge gets the baton, taking the committee's pick to the Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court for the anointment. Following tradition, and legalities, it’s then up to the Cochise County Board of Supervisors to give the nod of approval.
