Chief Judge David J. Barron of the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit has announced the formation of a Bankruptcy Merit Selection Panel to screen and review applicants for the bankruptcy judgeship vacancy in Worcester, Massachusetts. Mirick Co-Managing Partner Paul Carey is among six named to the panel.
Paul has been an integral part of Mirick since 1995. He is currently Co-Managing Partner and serves on the firm’s Strategic Planning Committee. He previously served as Hiring Partner responsible for leading the Firm’s recruitment efforts, and as chair of the Firm’s Creditors’ Rights, Bankruptcy and Reorganization Group.
Under the statute providing for the appointment of bankruptcy judges, 28 U.S.C. § 152, the courts of appeals, assisted by the circuit councils, have the duty of filling vacancies on the bankruptcy courts in each circuit. A vacancy was created by the retirement of Judge Melvin S. Hoffman in June 2021. The Merit Selection Panel will recommend to the First Circuit Judicial Council and to the Court of Appeals individuals whose character, experience, and commitment to equal justice under the law fully qualify them to serve as United States Bankruptcy Judges. Bankruptcy judges are appointed to fourteen-year terms by the Court of Appeals.
Circuit Judge Julie Rikelman of the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit will serve as Chair of the Panel. Other members include: Judge Brian E. Murphy, United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts; Andrea M. O’Connor, Esq., Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin; Amy A. Zuccarello, Esq., Sullivan & Worcester LLP; and Susan J. Goldberg, Circuit Executive.
The Court of Appeals is accepting applications for the bankruptcy judgeship vacancy. Interested applicants may obtain an application on the Court of Appeals’ website. Applications must be received no later than Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
