BOSTON (AP) — The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court is soliciting nominations from Trial Court judges for the position of Chief Justice of the Trial Court.

Robert Mulligan, who currently holds the position, will reach the mandatory retirement age of 70 in July, creating the vacancy.

The chief justice has a critical role in the oversight of the delivery of justice in the state’s courts. The new chief justice will work with Court Administrator Harry Spence to develop policies and programs of the courts.

The chief justice will be appointed by the Supreme Judicial Court justices for a five-year renewable term.