NASHVILLE (AP) — The Governor's Commission for Judicial Appointments has set a Jan. 17 deadline for applications to fill a chancery court vacancy in the 24th Judicial District covering Benton, Carroll, Decatur, Hardin and Henry counties.

Licensed attorneys are eligible to apply if they are at least 30 years old, have lived in the state for at least five years and are residents of the district.

The panel plans to interview all qualified applicants beginning Jan. 23.

Republican Gov. Bill Haslam created the applicant review panel through an executive order after state lawmakers let its predecessor expire in June. Its members will decide on three finalists for the governor to choose from.

An application deadline hasn't been set for the candidates to succeed state Supreme Court Bill Koch, who retires in July.