Chief Judge Smith announced that he will be stepping down as Chief Judge. He will shortly reach age 70, the age limit for serving as Chief Judge of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. Judge Smith did not say exactly when he would step down, but he did indicate that he currently intends to remain on the court. That course would be similar to that taken by Judges McKee and Scirica, who have remained on the court even after having passed the mantle of Chief Judge to their respective successors.
New Jersey’s own Judge Chagares is next in line to serve as Chief Judge. He would be the first New Jerseyan to serve as Third Circuit Chief Judge since Judge Gibbons, who was Chief Judge from 1987-90.