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Job Details for U.S. Bankruptcy Judge

Court Name/Organization Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals
Location Indianapolis, IN
Opening and Closing Dates 02/19/2026 - 03/23/2026
Appointment Type Permanent
Salary Starting: $229,908
Announcement Number 2026

Position Description

The Judicial Council of the Seventh Circuit seeks applications from all qualified applicants to fill two positions as a bankruptcy judge for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Indiana with a duty station in Indianapolis, Indiana. One position will be available in 2026 and one in early 2027. Applicants must be willing to travel to other locations in the Seventh Circuit to handle cases as need arises. The term of office is 14 years, and the current salary is $229,908. Interested applicants should access the Court of Appeals website at www.ca7.uscourts.gov for more information.

In making the appointment, applicants will be reviewed without discrimination as to race, color, sex, disability, religion, or national origin. Applicants should be admitted to practice in at least one state court and be members in good standing of every bar of which they are members. Applicants should possess and have a reputation for integrity and good character and be of sound physical and mental health. Applicants must possess and have demonstrated a commitment to equal justice under law. Applicants must also possess and have demonstrated outstanding legal ability and competence as evidenced by substantial legal experience, ability to deal with complex legal problems, aptitude for legal scholarship and writing, and familiarity with courts and court processes. Applicants must also have the demeanor, character, and personality indicative of sound judicial temperament if appointed to this position. The individuals selected must comply with the statutory and Judicial Conference regulations regarding the filing of financial disclosure reports.

Pursuant to Section 120 of the Bankruptcy Amendments and Federal Judgeship Act of 1984, the Judicial Council of the Seventh Circuit will recommend candidates to the United States Court of Appeals, which will make the appointment, subject to a Federal Bureau of Investigation full-field investigation and Internal Revenue Service tax check. Applications must be received by March 23, 2026.

Miscellaneous

The Judicial Council of the Seventh Circuit seeks applications from all qualified applicants to fill two positions as a bankruptcy judge for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Indiana with a duty station in Indianapolis, Indiana. One position will be available in 2026 and one in early 2027. Applicants must be willing to travel to other locations in the Seventh Circuit to handle cases as need arises. The term of office is 14 years, and the current salary is $229,908. Interested applicants should access the Court of Appeals website at www.ca7.uscourts.gov for more information.

In making the appointment, applicants will be reviewed without discrimination as to race, color, sex, disability, religion, or national origin. Applicants should be admitted to practice in at least one state court and be members in good standing of every bar of which they are members. Applicants should possess and have a reputation for integrity and good character and be of sound physical and mental health. Applicants must possess and have demonstrated a commitment to equal justice under law. Applicants must also possess and have demonstrated outstanding legal ability and competence as evidenced by substantial legal experience, ability to deal with complex legal problems, aptitude for legal scholarship and writing, and familiarity with courts and court processes. Applicants must also have the demeanor, character, and personality indicative of sound judicial temperament if appointed to this position. The individuals selected must comply with the statutory and Judicial Conference regulations regarding the filing of financial disclosure reports.

Pursuant to Section 120 of the Bankruptcy Amendments and Federal Judgeship Act of 1984, the Judicial Council of the Seventh Circuit will recommend candidates to the United States Court of Appeals, which will make the appointment, subject to a Federal Bureau of Investigation full-field investigation and Internal Revenue Service tax check. Applications must be received by March 23, 2026.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.