PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — If you have ever wanted to be a member of the federal bench, this could be your opportunity. Rhode Island U.S. District Court in Providence is now accepting applications for a soon-to-be vacant magistrate judge position. Applications are being accepted through Oct. 21, according to a notice on the district court website. Here is how to apply to become a U.S. Magistrate Judge in RI The open application process comes after Magistrate Judge Lincoln Almond announced in July he would retire effective May 2025 after two decades on the bench. Currently there are five judges on the federal bench in Rhode Island, including three judges and two magistrates. Magistrate judges mostly handle proceedings early on in cases, such as initial appearances in criminal cases, along with pretrial motions. The magistrates also preside over civil trials if all parties consent. Magistrate judge courtrooms are on the second floor of the U.S. Post Office building at the far end of Kennedy Plaza in Providence, next to the main federal courthouse. Applicants must have practiced law for at least the last five years and be in good standing with the courts. The names will be reviewed by a “merit selection panel” made up of 13 lawyers and two member of the community. The panel is chaired by R.I. Superior Court Judge Christopher Smith. Rhode Island’s three sitting district court judges – Chief Judge John McConnell, and Judges William Smith and Mary McElroy – will then vote on a candidate. Magistrates serve for an eight-year term, which can be renewed. Almond’s announcement came four months after the U.S. Senate confirmed R.I. District Court Judge Melissa DuBose to replace Judge Smith, who will be entering senior status next year. Tim White ([email protected]) is Target 12 managing editor and chief investigative reporter and host of Newsmakers for 12 News. Connect with him on Twitter and Facebook. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW