On February 14, 1977, President Carter issued an executive order establishing the Federal Circuit Judge Nominating Commission, which consists of 13 panels that help the President select persons for the Federal judiciary, based on merit. In compiling this handbook about and for the Commission, interviews were conducted with members of the White House staff, Department of Justice officials, chairpersons of 9 panels, and 3 to 5 additional members of 10 panels. A questionnaire was mailed to the remaining panel members, as well as to candidates whose names were submitted to the President between April 1977 and September 1978. In compiling the information for the handbook, special emphasis has been given to information considered useful to nonattorney members of the commission. The purpose of the handbook is not to suggest the best method or methods of proceeding, but to suggest alternatives. For the convenience of commission members, the most recent executive order, supplemental instructions, and applicant questionnaire have been included. Also included are samples of vacancy announcements, letters used in recruiting candidates, correspondence with candidates, letters seeking information about candidates, questions asked during interviews, and additional criteria for evaluating candidates. Most of the samples were developed by various panels of the commission. Additionally, the filing system developed by the District of Columbia is described. State organizations which panel members may wish to contact during their recruitment efforts are listed. (Author abstract modified)