The Federal appellate judge hiring plan is starting to show a few cracks. A quick perusal of the Federal Law Clerk Information System reveals the following:

Several justices are apparently using creative interpretations of "fall hiring." For example, Judge Robert Sack (2nd), Judge Paul Kelly, Jr. (10th), and Judge Richard Tallman (9th) are all accepting applications beginning June 1. Judge Kenneth Ripple (7th) is at least starting in the latter half of the year on July 1.

Of course, I have previously noted that Judges Chester Straub and Jerry Smith are defectors.

Senior Circuit Judge Myron Bright (8th) is hiring from now until April 1, but I suppose he's allowed because it's in Fargo. (You Betcha!)

Of course, there's my very favorite, Judge Alex Kozinski. In his information screen (his positions are open until filled, by the way) Judge Kozinski writes,