US Bankruptcy Judge

Summary

The United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit seeks applications from highly qualified candidates for a fourteen-year appointment as United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Western District of Missouri. The position is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. The vacancy will occur upon the retirement of Judge Cynthia Norton, effective January 31, 2027.

Duties

See "Qualifications Required" section

Requirements

A background investigation is required.

Qualifications

The basic jurisdiction of a United States Bankruptcy Judge is specified in Titles 11 and 28, United States Code, and amendments thereto. To be qualified for appointment, an applicant must: (1) Be a member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of at least one state, the District of Columbia, or the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and a member in good standing of any other bar of which the applicant is a member; (2) Have been engaged in the active practice of law for a period of at least five years (some substitutes authorized); (3) Possess, and have a reputation for, integrity and good character; possess, and have demonstrated, a commitment to equal justice under the law; possess, and have demonstrated, outstanding legal ability and competence; be of sound mental and physical health sufficient to perform the essential duties of the office; and indicate by demeanor, character, and personality that the applicant would exhibit judicial temperament if appointed; and (4) Not be related by blood or marriage to a judge of the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, to a member of the Eighth Circuit Judicial Council, or to a judge of the district court to be served, within the degrees specified in 28 U.S.C. ' 458, at the time of the initial appointment.

Education

See "Qualifications Required" section

How you will be evaluated

A Merit Selection Panel will review all applications and recommend to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, in confidence, persons considered to be best qualified.

Required documents

All documents requested in application packet.

How to apply

Application forms may be obtained on line from the Clerk of the U.S. District Court for Western Missouri at https://www.mow.uscourts.gov/, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Western Missouri at https://www.mow.uscourts.gov/bankruptcy, and the Circuit Executive's Office in St. Louis, Missouri by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone 314-244-2600. Persons selected must comply with the financial disclosure requirements pursuant to the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, Pub. L. No. 95-521, 92 Stat. 1824 (1978) (codified as amended at 5 U.S.C. app. §§ 101-111). Applications should be submitted only by the applicant personally and should indicate the applicant's willingness to serve if selected. Applications should be submitted to Ms. Millie B. Adams, Circuit Executive, 111 South 10th Street, Suite 26.325, St. Louis, Missouri 63102-1116, and must be received by not later than 4:00 pm (Central Time) Tuesday, November 17, 2026.

What to expect next

A Merit Selection Panel will review all applications and recommend to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, in confidence, persons considered to be best qualified. Appointment is subject to a background investigation, and applicants may be required to submit additional disclosures in the course of the selection process. The current annual salary is $229,908. Applicants shall be considered without regard to race, color, age (over 40), gender, religion, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.