INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ The Indiana Judicial Nominating Commission is accepting applications for a soon-to-be open seat on the Indiana Court of Appeals.

Appellate Judge Ezra Friedlander plans to retire on Aug. 31. He has said he's submitting his resignation in advance to give officials adequate time to find a replacement.

Attorneys and judges in the second appellate district covering Indianapolis and parts of north central Indiana are encouraged to apply for the position. Candidates must be a member of the Indiana Bar for at least 10 years or a state judge for five years.

Applications are due by April 27. The Indiana Judicial Nominating Commission will review the applications and publicly vote on three names to send to Gov. Mike Pence for a final decision.