Life-Tenured Judge Wants off the Federal Bench

In a highly unusual move, U.S. District Judge Martin Jenkins, a life-tenured federal judge in San Francisco, is prepared to give up his seat and has applied for an opening on the California State Court of Appeal bench.

Jenkins, 54, a moderate Democrat and former state trial court judge in Oakland, Calif., was appointed by President Clinton a decade ago. He confirmed rumors that he has submitted an application with Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for the vacancy.

Jenkins declined to discuss his plans further or reasons for his willingness to go from the federal court to state court, where he would face periodic confirmation votes by California voters.

Those close to him have indicated his practice of working long hours and meticulous attention to detail in a large federal caseload has taken a toll.

Details here from the National Law Journal via Law.com.