U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced the formation of a screening panel in the Middle District of Florida to assist her and Florida Congressional leaders in evaluating and recommending candidates to the Biden Administration for vacant federal judicial, U.S. Attorney,  and U.S. Marshal positions in Florida. The screening panels are the most diverse group ever named and will advise the delegation regarding qualifications and fitness of candidates. Recommendations will be submitted to the White House.

“Judicial and U.S. Attorney appointments in Florida should better reflect the diverse nature of our state and country,” said Rep. Castor. “The rich diversity of backgrounds, qualifications and careers of the federal judicial nominating commission (JNCs) will result in high quality nominees for judge and U.S. Attorney, and meet President Biden’s and my goal to have our judicial system better reflect the makeup of our country.

“I am proud to appoint attorney Joseline Jean-Louis Hardrick to serve on the Middle District JNC. Her impeccable legal experience includes private sector law firm attorney, federal judicial law clerk for the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida and now a professor at Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Joseline will excel as a trusted advisor as we evaluate candidates for these critical positions. As the founder of Diversity Access Pipeline, Inc. and her other work in our community, including with Solita’s House, Joseline has been a force in the Tampa Bay community and long committed to increasing opportunity and diversity. This community commitment coupled with her sterling legal background makes her an ideal partner with me to help change the face of our federal judicial system. More of Joseline’s impressive background and investment in our community can be found here.

“The Florida Democratic Delegation members have established separate screening conferences for each of Florida’s three federal judicial districts. The Tampa Bay area is part of the JNC in the Middle District of Florida. I’m grateful that the Dean of the Delegation, U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings led the effort with his unwavering commitment to a judiciary that truly reflects America and I appreciate Senator Rubio working with Congressional Democrats to ensure that this process is bipartisan.”

Each JNC will interview and vet applicants for vacancies that arise and advise the delegation regarding a candidates' qualifications and fitness for a desired position. The biographies of other JNC members can be found here.

Members of the committees include:

The Screening Conference in the Northern District of Florida will include: Thomas J. Brown, Bill Cervone, Retired Judge Nikki Ann Clark, Opal McKinney-Williams, John Laurance Reid and Mark Schlakman.

The Screening Conference in the Middle District of Florida will include: Ryan Barack, David M. Chico, Eduardo Fernandez, Joseline Jean-Louis Hardrick, Retired Judge Belvin Perry, Jr., Wade Rolle, Carol Saviak and Patricia R. Sigman.

The Screening Conference in the Southern District of Florida will include: Vivian de las Cuevas-Diaz, Larry Handfield, Retired Judge Ilona Holmes, Eduardo Lacasa, Victoria Mesa-Estrada, Burnadette Norris-Weeks and Retired Justice Barbara J. Pariente.

"These screening conferences bring together strong legal and judicial experience from all over our state, and they will be critical in advising Florida lawmakers as we evaluate candidates for some of the most important jobs in Florida," said Rep. Alcee Hastings, Dean of the Florida Delegation. "I thank each member of these screening conferences for their willingness to serve such a vital role."

The screening conferences will interview applicants for vacant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Marshal, and federal judgeship positions. 

Once the President submits a nomination to the U.S. Senate, the nominee will be reviewed by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The approval of both home state Senators is required for the Senate Judiciary Committee to take up and consider any U.S. Attorney, U.S. Marshal, and federal district court nominee. If a nomination is approved by the Judiciary Committee, the nomination will be sent to the full Senate for consideration.

As vacancies occur in federal positions for the State of Florida, applications can be submitted here.

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