The judiciary of Arizona is preparing for a change as the announcement comes forth of a vacancy in Division One of the Arizona Court of Appeals. This opening, a result of Hon. Paul J. McMurdie's decision to retire, has set in motion the search for a qualified individual to take up the judicial mantle. In a statement obtained by azcourts.gov, the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments is not just seeking applicants, but will also conduct interviews with those selected, ultimately recommending a minimum of three nominees to Gov. Katie Hobbs, who will then appoint the new judge.
Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the Judicial Nominating Commission website where the updated judicial application form is available for download. This process, possibly as much about the juridical as it is about the judgments that come out of it, will help shape the state's legal landscape. Applications, which are due by 12 p.m. on November 12, and can also be obtained from the Administrative Office of the Courts, must be filled out with precision, the care that one might use in drafting an accord, or outlining the parameters of justice itself. To be eligible, one must be at least 30 years of age, have a good moral character, admitted to the practice of law in Arizona, and be a five-year resident of the state, as well as a resident of Maricopa County for at least one year prior to the appointment.
The chosen applicant will step into a role with a substantial income, with the current annual salary of a court of appeals judge marked at $200,000. On January 1, 2026, after the dedications of so many, the mantle and its monetary reward will increase to $210,000, marking a nod to the importance and intensity of the profession.
Public participation is a cornerstone of the selection process, and the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments holds open meetings, the dates of which will be announced, as a part of its commitment to transparency. The Commission might, based on the applications received, nominate candidates for any additional vacancies known to them before the screening meeting related to this specific position convenes.
