U.S. District Judge Friedman to semiretire

NORFOLK

U.S. District Judge Jerome B. Friedman has announced he will take senior status, a form of semi retirement, at the end of November.

The move means a slot will open for a new judge in the Norfolk/Newport News division of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The court hears federal criminal and civil matters from throughout Hampton Roads.

Friedman has been on the federal bench for 13 years. Previously, he served 12 years in Virginia Beach as a Circuit Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court judge. When he was appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1997, Friedman received bipartisan support and breezed through the confirmation process.

Friedman acknowledged Wednesday that he notified the White House and various judicial officials about his intention to take senior status, which means generally he can hear as many, or as few, cases as he wishes. He declined to comment further.

The court already has two judges on senior status, Robert G. Doumar and Henry Coke Morgan Jr., both of whom still maintain a robust docket.

Virginia's two U.S. senators will nominate Friedman's replacement, who is subject to approval by the president and confirmation by the Senate.

Federal district judges are paid $170,000 a year, whether full time or on senior status. Appointments are for life.