CLERKS OFFICE US DISTRICT COURT
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT AT ROANOKE, VA
FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA FILED
March 02, 2026
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPOINTMENT OF LAURA A. AUSTIN, CLERK
AN ADVISORY PANEL OF CITIZENS TO ASSIST BY: /s/ Tallulah Costa
THE COURT IN ITS DETERMINATION AS TO DEPUTY CLERK
THE APPOINTMENT OF A MAGISTRATE JUDGE
The Judicial Conference of the United States has authorized the appointment of a full-
time United States Magistrate Judge to fill the vacancy in the Western District of Virginia at
Abingdon. The court, therefore, in accordance with the Federal Magistrates Act and the
regulations of the Judicial Conference, hereby appoints the following advisory panel of citizens
(Merit Selection Panel) to assist the judges in their determination as to the vacancy in the
Western District.
Dwayne Anderson Mayor, City of Abingdon
Charles L. Bledsoe Attorney
Anthony Giorno Retired, Assistant U.S. Attorney
Larry B. Kirksey Retired Virginia Circuit Court Judge
Elizabeth A. McClanahan Former Justice, Supreme Court of Virginia
Donald R. Pender Assistant Federal Public Defender
Benjamin J. Rottenborn Attorney
Lollie Shipp Retired Federal Probation Officer
Alexis I. Tahinci Attorney (resides in Tennessee, but substantial community
contacts with Virginia and licensed to practice in Virginia)
The Chairperson of this panel is Benjamin J. Rottenborn, who shall perform such duties
as the court may assign.
Merit Selection Panel members have been notified in writing that they are restricted from
being considered for a magistrate judge position for one year following their service on the Merit
Selection Panel.
ENTER this 2nd day of March, 2026.
/s/ Elizabeth K. Dillon
Elizabeth K. Dillon
Chief United States District Judge
