A federal magistrate judge merit selection panel has chosen eight public- and private-sector candidates who will interview for two openings on the Southern District of Florida bench.

Carl W. Tobias, a professor at the University of Richmond School of Law and a scholar on federal judicial selections, said the backgrounds of some of the remaining candidates follow what district court judges view as the safest pick.

Carl W. Tobias, a professor and scholar on federal judicial selections at the University of Richmond School of Law. (Credit: Courtesy photo) Carl W. Tobias of the University of Richmond School of Law. (Credit: Courtesy photo)