The State Bar seeks members for the statewide Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation (JNE). If you are an active California attorney in good standing, a former judicial officer, or a member of the public, the State Bar invites you to apply. The members of the JNE Commission assist the Governor in the judicial candidate vetting process by providing independent, comprehensive, and fair candidate evaluations. The ideal candidate has the skills and experience necessary to conduct an investigation, assess qualifications for service on the bench, and provide timely and well-written reports. Commissioners approved by the Board of Trustees are furnished with training at an in-person mandatory orientation on JNE Commission rules, procedures, investigations, and drafting reports.
The JNE Commission is made up of attorneys, nonattorney public members, and former judicial officers who represent a broad cross-section of California's diverse regions, legal profession and general population.
Time Commitment: The time commitment is substantial and rewarding. There are six in-person meetings per year, in addition to the above-mentioned mandatory orientation meeting held in January. To ensure thorough and meaningful investigations, commissioners should expect to dedicate a minimum of 20 to 40 hours per month to commission-related duties.
Please visit the online portal to apply for the committee. The deadline for filing an application is Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
Questions? Contact appointments@calbar.ca.gov. Please also feel free to reach out to the JNE Commission leadership team below for questions or additional information.
Regards,
Lorena Peñaloza, JNE Chair (2025-2026)
Lorena.Penaloza@calbar.ca.gov
Stephen Hamilton, JNE Vice Chair (2025–2026)/incoming JNE Chair (2026-2027)
Stephen.Hamilton@calbar.ca.gov
Sandy Flagge-Phillips, incoming JNE Vice Chair (2026-2027)
Sandy.Flagge-Phillips@calbar.ca.gov
