Thread by @marinklevy

A quick rundown on where things currently stand with federal Court of Appeals vacancies and why timing is about to get even more crucial . . .

(mini ⚖️🧵, 1 / x)

According to the AO, we have, or are about to have, 14 Court of Appeals vacancies that do not have nominees.

The vacancies created by Judges who have already taken senior status or retired are from:

Brooks Smith (3rd Cir)

Mary Beck Briscoe (10th Cir)

Bev Martin (11th Cir)

Vacancies that we expect to be created (upon the confirmation of the Judge’s successor or at a set future date) are from:

David Tatel (DC Cir)

O. Rogeriee Thompson (1st Cir)

José Cabranes (2d Cir)

Susan Carney (2d Cir)

Ted McKee (3rd Cir)

Henry Floyd (4th Cir)

. . .

Diana Motz (4th Cir)

James Dennis (5th Cir)

Helene White (6th Cir)

David Hamilton (7th Cir)

Diane Wood (7th Cir)

(And though it is not yet up on the AO's site, it is being reported that Guy Cole of the 6th Cir will also be taking senior status.)

And I would expect to see at least a few more Judges announcing their intent to take senior status soon given where things stand timing-wise . . .

Obviously if the Democrats lose the Senate in the midterm elections, judicial confirmations will be a different ballgame . . .

And if Justice Breyer announces his retirement this year, a lot of time / energy will be taken up by the confirmation process . . .

So announcements of Judges taking senior status / announcements of nominees will be a very important space to watch in the next few weeks / months!