Due to the retirement announcement of the Hon. Henry J. Boroff,
Chief Judge Jeffrey R. Howard of the United States Court of Appeals
for the First Circuit has announced the formation of a Bankruptcy
Merit Selection Panel to screen and review applicants for the
resulting bankruptcy judgeship vacancy in Springfield. Judge
Boroff, who has served as a bankruptcy judge in the District of
Massachusetts in Springfield since 1993, will retire effective July
15, 2016.
Under the statute providing for the appointment of bankruptcy
judges, 28 U.S.C. § 152, the courts of appeals, assisted by the
circuit councils, have the duty of filling vacancies on the
bankruptcy court in each circuit. The Merit Selection Panel will
recommend to the circuit council and to the Court of Appeals,
individuals whose character, experience, and commitment to equal
justice under the law fully qualify them to serve as United States
Bankruptcy Judges. Bankruptcy judges are appointed to 14-year terms
by the Court of Appeals.
Circuit Judge David J. Barron of the United States Court of
Appeals for the First Circuit will serve as chair of the panel.
Other members include: Judge Norman H. Stahl, United States Court
of Appeals for the First Circuit; Judge Mark G. Mastroianni, United
States District Court for the District of Massachusetts; Jeanne P.
Darcey, Esq., Sullivan & Worcester, Boston; Christine E.
Devine, Esq., Mirick O'Connell, Worcester; Christina M. Turgeon,
Springfield; and Susan J. Goldberg, circuit executive. Chief Judge
Howard expressed his gratitude to members of the panel for their
valuable assistance.
The court is seeking attorneys with demonstrated excellence in the
practice of bankruptcy law and/or commercial litigation. Interested
applicants may obtain an application from the Circuit Executive's
Office, from the Bankruptcy Court clerk for the District of
Massachusetts, or by accessing the Court of Appeals' website.
Applicants should submit seven copies of their applications to:
Susan J. Goldberg, circuit executive, Office of the Circuit
Executive, John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse, 1 Courthouse Way,
Suite 3700, Boston, MA 02210. Applications are to be received no
later than February 26.