About This Position
The United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit seeks applications from highly qualified candidates for a fourteen-year appointment as United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Western District of Missouri. The position is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. The vacancy was created by the retirement of Judge Dennis R. Dow.
Qualifications
To be qualified for appointment, an applicant must: (1) Be a member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of at least one state, the District of Columbia, or the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and a member in good standing of any other bar of which the applicant is a member; (2) Have been engaged in the active practice of law for a period of at least five years (some substitutes authorized); (3) Possess, and have a reputation for, integrity and good character; possess, and have demonstrated, a commitment to equal justice under the law; possess, and have demonstrated, outstanding legal ability and competence; be of sound mental and physical health sufficient to perform the essential duties of the office; and indicate by demeanor, character, and personality that the applicant would exhibit judicial temperament if appointed; and (4) Not be related by blood or marriage to a judge of the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, to a member of the Eighth Circuit Judicial Council, or to a judge of the district court to be served, within the degrees specified in 28 U.S.C. 458, at the time of the initial appointment.
Major Duties
The basic jurisdiction of a United States Bankruptcy Judge is specified in Titles 11 and 28, United States Code, and amendments thereto.
Conditions of Employment
Must be a citizen of the United States or be eligible to work in the United States.
How You Will Be Evaluated
A Merit Selection Panel will review all applications and recommend to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, in confidence, persons considered to be best qualified. Appointment is subject to a background investigation, and applicants may be required to submit additional disclosures in the course of the selection process. The current annual salary is $229,908. Applicants shall be considered without regard to race, color, age (over 40), gender, religion, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.
How to Apply
Application forms may be obtained on line from the Clerk of the U.S. District Court for Western Missouri at https://www.mow.uscourts.gov/, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Western Missouri at https://www.mow.uscourts.gov/bankruptcy, and the Circuit Executives Office in St. Louis, Missouri by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone 314-244-2600. Persons selected must comply with the financial disclosure requirements pursuant to the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, Pub. L. No. 95-521, 92 Stat. 1824 (1978) (codified as amended at 5 U.S.C. app. §§ 101-111). Applications should be submitted only by the applicant personally and should indicate the applicant=s willingness to serve if selected. Applications should be submitted to Ms. Millie B. Adams, Circuit Executive, 111 South 10th Street, Suite 26.325, St. Louis, Missouri 63102-1116, and must be received by not later than 4:00 pm (Central Time) Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Required Documents
Please visit https://www.mow.uscourts.gov/bankruptcy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the US Bankruptcy Judge position at U.S. Courts?
The salary range for this position is $229,908 - $229,908/yr. This is a AL-00 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the US Bankruptcy Judge job located?
This position is located in Kansas City, Missouri. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
To be qualified for appointment, an applicant must: (1) Be a member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of at least one state, the District of Columbia, or the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and a member in good standing of any other bar of which the applicant is a member; (2) Have been engaged in the active practice of law for a peri...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Feb 19, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does AL-00 mean?
AL-00 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.