[vette6387]

Referring to this list:

https://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/content/view_seniority_list.php?pk_id=0000000035

There are currently 18 judges listed as “Senior Circuit Judge.” I have been unable to find out why they are all listed, and what determines when they are replaced. I assume that the 7 “vacancies” you mention are among those listed as Senior Circuit Judge. Just what does it mean to be aSenior Judge? Do they participate or do they just stay on the payroll and get to keep their black robes?

[fieldmarshaldj]

Senior means “retired as active, but can hear cases.”

[Jagermonster]

It is a kind of semi-retirement. I think that the theory is keeping the wisdom of an experienced judge but elderly judge without running running them into an early grave with a full caseload.

They're still expected to work a minimum of a 1/4 caseload. Many senior judges do far more than the minimum. The statute for it is here: 28 U.S.C. § 371(e)(1)

Also, moving into senior status does create a vacancy for the President to fill, IIRC.