Applications are being accepted to fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Renee Bennett, the Pima County Superior Court officials said Monday.

The court consists of 53 judicial officers who preside over cases involving criminal, civil, family law, juvenile and probate matters.

The county’s Commission on Trial Court Appointments will review applications, interview selected candidates, and select at least three nominees to recommend to Gov. Katie Hobbs for appointment, officials said.

Applicants must meet certain criteria, including being at least 30 years old, “of good moral character,”admitted to practice law in and a resident of Arizona for the past five years, and a resident of Pima County for the past year.

Earlier this year, the county’s commission sought a replacement for Judge Javier Chon-Lopez after he retired from the bench. Three names were submitted to Hobbs last week. 

Application forms are available on the Judicial Department website, or by contacting the Administrative Office of the Courts. The deadline for submission is Oct. 28, 2024, at 3 p.m. Applicants from previous vacancies in Pima County do not need to reapply.

The commission may consider these applications for additional vacancies. Meetings of the commission are open to the public, and meeting dates will be announced, officials said. 

The current annual salary for a Superior Court judge is $180,000. That will increase by $10,000 next year.