Lawrence resident and former Kansas Attorney General Steve Six was nominated Wednesday by President Obama to serve on the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Obama made the announcement late Wednesday afternoon.

“Steve Six has distinguished himself as a first-rate jurist with unflagging integrity and evenhandedness,” President Obama said in a statement. “I’m grateful for his service to the state of Kansas and look forward to adding his considerable wisdom and experience to the Tenth Circuit Court.”

Six would fill a spot on the court of appeals left open by the retirement of Lawrence resident Deanell Tacha.

Six, a Democrat, will have to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Six served as Kansas Attorney from 2008 until January, after losing his bid for election. Prior to being appointed to fill the unexpired term as attorney general, Six was a Douglas County District Court judge from 2005 to 2008. Since January, he has worked as a partner at the Lawrence law firm of Stevens & Brand.

Attempts to reach Six on Wednesday afternoon weren’t immediately successful.

Tacha has been named as Pepperdine University’s dean of law. She will begin in her new position on June 1.