U.S. Judge Holmes named district chief judge

U.S. District Court Judge P.K. Holmes III, has been named the chief judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas.

The title was effective Feb. 14.

Judge Holmes, from Fort Smith, was appointed by President Obama on Feb. 14, 2011, and will succeed U.S. District Judge Jimm Larry Hendren of Bentonville as chief judge.

Judge Hendren has served as chief judge since 1997.

The chief judge position in the federal judiciary is responsible for the governance of the federal district court. All management authority is vested in the chief judge position.

Responsibilities are wide ranging but include case management, promulgating local rules and administrative procedures, overseeing Criminal Justice Act and appointment of attorneys, overseeing of court’s jury plan, appointment of court executives and staff, overseeing probation and pretrial services programs, and responsibility for budgetary, financial, procurement and property management as delegated by the director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.

The investiture ceremony for Judge Holmes was held Oct. 208.