Michael W. Jones, a partner in the Roseville law firm of Hansen, Culhane, Kohls, Jones & Sommer, LLP was recently appointed to the State Bar's Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation by the State Bar Board of Governors. This 38-member panel, also known as the "Jennie Commission," evaluates the governor's nominees for California judgeships.

Hansen, Culhane, Kohls, Jones & Sommer, LLP, a civil and criminal litigation firm with a history of service to the community, traces its roots to a partnership formed between the late Hartley Hansen and the late Robert Matsui, former member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Hansen and firm member Kevin Culhane both served as Vice President of the State Bar Board of Governors. Hansen also served on the JNE Commission and Culhane served two terms on California's Judicial Council. Culhane continues to serve on the State Bar Committee on Professional Liability Insurance.

Through its interviews and investigations, the Jennie Commission writes up a confidential report rating the qualifications of each of the governor's nominees. The panel meets formally once a month. Between meetings, commission members interview judicial applicants and perform background checks.

The 48-year-old Jones, officially joins the commission in February, believes that helping to evaluate applicants for judicial positions creates some pressure due to the number of outstanding applicants.

"I'm cautiously looking forward to serving on the commission," said Jones. "I consider service on the commission one of those things where the enjoyment comes at the end of the task and you've done a competent job. I feel very privileged to follow in the footsteps of Hansen and Culhane in service for the State Bar and California's legal community."