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Public Notice: Reappointment of Stephen C. Newman, Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of Ohio

Monday, June 26, 2023

The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit seeks comments from persons who are in a position to evaluate the performance of Stephen C. Newman, Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of Ohio, as well as the quality of services provided by the Federal Public Defender organization for that district.

Federal Public Defenders are appointed by the United States Court of Appeals for a term of four years. Mr. Newman’s current term will expire on May 15, 2024. Pursuant to the Procedures for the Selection of Federal Public Defenders for the Sixth Circuit, the Court of Appeals will appoint an Evaluation Committee. The Evaluation Committee is responsible for the review and evaluation of the performance of an incumbent Federal Public Defender and for making a recommendation to the Court of Appeals as to whether an incumbent Federal Public Defender should be reappointed. In making its evaluation, the Committee is required to assess the quality of representation, level of commitment and service to clients, and the administrative efficiency of the Federal Public Defender Office for the Northern District of Ohio.

Among the abilities or characteristics being evaluated are:

  • Competence to perform the duties of the office, including organizational and management skills and human relations skills.
  •  Integrity and good character.
  • Commitment to equal justice under law.
  • Sound physical and mental health.
  • Legal ability, including legal experience, the ability to deal with complex legal problems, an aptitude for legal scholarship and writing, and familiarity with courts and court processes.

Any person wishing to offer comments relating to Mr. Newman’s performance as Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of Ohio or relating to the performance in general of that office may address written comments to:                                                    

Northern District of Ohio Federal Public Defender Evaluation Committee

c/o Marc Theriault, Circuit Executive

Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals

503 Potter Stewart U.S. Courthouse

100 East Fifth Street

Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

or CA06-CECourtAdmin@ca6.uscourts.gov

All comments received will be provided to the Evaluation Committee. To be considered, comments must be received no later than August 7, 2023.
 

Issue: week of 6/26/2023