The current term of office of United States Magistrate Judge Janis van Meerveld at New Orleans, Louisiana, is due to expire on July 31, 2024. The United States District Court is required by law to establish a panel of citizens to consider the reappointment of a magistrate judge to a new eight (8) year term. The court is currently assembling a Merit Selection Panel. The names of the panel members will be published.  The duties of a magistrate judge include the following: (1) conducting most preliminary proceedings in criminal cases; (2) trial and disposition of misdemeanor cases; (3) conducting various pretrial matters and evidentiary proceedings on delegation from the judges of the district court; and (4) trial and disposition of civil cases upon consent of the parties. Comments from members of the bar and the public are invited as to whether the incumbent magistrate judge should be recommended by the panel for reappointment by the court and may be sent via email to Clerk@laed.uscourts.gov or mailed to Carol L. Michel, Clerk, United States District Court, 500 Poydras Street, Room C-151, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130.  Comments must be received by February 20, 2024.