CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Nine practicing lawyers, circuit judges and prosecutors have applied to fill the vacant position on the state Supreme Court.
The state Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission released the names Friday. The JVAC will interview the applicants on March 28 and submit names to Gov. Jim Justice for his final decision.
The JVAC usually submits at least three names to the governor.
State lawmakers approved a bill in the recent legislative session that changes the length of the appointment. The person chosen will be in office through 2024, filling the unexpired firm.
The seat will be up for election in May 2024.
Justice Evan Jenkins announced he was leaving the court back in February. The announcement came after the filing deadline for this May’s election.
Those making application include:
-C. Haley Bunn, a Charleston attorney with Steptoe & Johnson
-Nicole A. Cofer, Charleston attorney, formerly worked for state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey
-Robert J. Frank, a trial lawyer from Lewisburg
-Cabell County Circuit Judge Gregory Howard
-Charles Lorensen, attorney, has held various positions in state government, most recently was chief of staff under former Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin
-Kristina Raynes, assistant prosecutor Putnam County
-James Rowe, retired circuit judge and former state lawmaker
-Mark Sorsaia, Putnam County prosecutor
-Kanawha County Circuit Judge Joanna Tabit