Judicial Nominating Commission announces vacancy in District Court, Third Judicial District (Sweetwater County)

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Chief Justice Lynne Boomgaarden of the Wyoming Supreme Court, who chairs the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC), announced today a judicial opening in the District Court of the Third Judicial District.

On April 18, 2026, the Honorable Richard L. Lavery reaches the mandatory retirement age under the Wyoming Constitution. The position is located in Green River and is one of two district courts serving Sweetwater County. Wyoming's district courts are the state's courts of general jurisdiction, handling cases ranging from family and criminal matters to property and civil disputes.

The JNC will accept expressions of interest from qualified individuals until 5:00 p.m. MST on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. The new judge will be sworn in on April 18, 2026. Required forms and instructions on applying are available on the Wyoming Judicial Branch's website. Under the Wyoming Constitution and statutes, to serve as a district court judge, an individual must be at least 28 years old, a resident of Wyoming for at least two years, a citizen of the United States, learned in the law, not over the age of 70 and have practiced law for at least one year before the appointment.

The JNC encourages all qualified applicants to apply. Successful candidates will have proven relevant experience, a strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, a collegial and impartial temperament, sound critical thinking and decision-making abilities, community engagement, and a reputation for fairness, integrity, and leadership.

Following interviews and a review of the submitted materials, the JNC will submit a list of three names to the governor, who will appoint an individual from that list.

Information about the JNC, its members and Wyoming's judicial selection process is available on the Branch's website.