This is to notify members of the bar and the general public that the Commission is reviewing the qualifications of Judge Phyllis Thompson of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals who is retiring and has requested a recommendation for an initial appointment as a Senior Judge.

The District of Columbia Retired Judge Service Act P.L. 98-598, 98 Stat. 3142, as amended by the District of Columbia Judicial Efficiency and Improvement Act, P.L. 99-573, 100 Stat. 3233, §13(1) provides in part as follows:

"…A retired judge willing to perform judicial duties may request a recommendation as a senior judge from the Commission. Such judge shall submit to the Commission such information as the Commission considers necessary to a recommendation under this subsection.

(2) The Commission shall submit a written report of its recommendations and findings to the appropriate chief judge of the judge requesting appointment within 180 days of the date of the request for recommendation. The Commission, under such criteria as it considers appropriate, shall make a favorable or unfavorable recommendation to the appropriate chief judge regarding an appointment as senior judge. The recommendation of the Commission shall be final.

(3) The appropriate chief judge shall notify the Commission and the judge requesting appointment of such chief judge’s decision regarding appointment within 30 days after receipt of the Commission’s recommendation and findings. The decision of such chief judge regarding such appointment shall be final."

The Commission hereby requests members of the bar, litigants, former jurors, interested organizations, and members of the public to submit any information bearing on the qualifications of Judge Thompson which it is believed will aid the Commission. The cooperation of the community at an early stage will greatly aid the Commission in fulfilling its responsibilities. The identity of any person submitting materials will be kept confidential unless expressly authorized by the person submitting the information.

All communications should be mailed, faxed, or emailed by September 13, 2021, and addressed to:

District of Columbia Cmmission on Judicial Disabilities and Tenure
Building A, Room 246
515 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Telephone: (202) 727-1363
FAX: (202) 727-9718
Email: [email protected]

In addition, comments may be submitted by an online survey available on the Commission’s website, https://www.cjdt.dc.gov, and using the link “Evaluate Candidates”. Access to the survey for Judge Thompson is also available by using the link www.surveymonkey.com/r/SeniorJudgeCourtofAppeals1217.

The information should be directed to Ms. Cathaee J. Hudgins, Executive Director, or to any individual member of the Commission.

The members of the Commission are:

Jeannine C. Sanford, Esq., Chairperson
Hon. Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, Vice Chairperson
Diane Brenneman, Esq.
Thomas Fitton
William P. Lightfoot, Esq.
David P. Milzman, M.D.
Nikki Sertsu