Judicial Nominating Commission announces vacancy in District Court, Fifth Judicial District (Park 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 Fifth Judicial District.

On February 24, 2027, the Honorable William L. Simpson reaches the mandatory retirement age under the Wyoming Constitution. The position is located in Cody. 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. MDT on October 22, 2026. The new judge will be sworn in on February 25, 2027. 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, a service-oriented mindset, 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.