More than 50 people have applied to become the next magistrate judge in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana.

As of this morning, the District Court has received 52 applications for the vacancy made by the elevation of Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson to an Article III judgeship in June, said clerk Laura Briggs. Applications were due July 14, although those postmarked that day will be considered timely.

An 18-person panel of attorneys and community members will interview prospects and submit five names to the District judges for consideration and final approval. There is no timeline yet as for when the interviews will begin, although Chief Judge Richard Young has said he hopes to have the new magistrate as soon as this summer or early fall.