California IN BRIEF : SANTA ANA : Judge Considered for Federal Bench

Orange County Superior Court Judge Linda Hodge McLaughlin is leading a select group of contenders for a federal judgeship, The Times has learned. McLaughlin is being considered by Sen. John Seymour for one of five new positions on the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, said Floyd Farano, Seymour’s chief legal counsel. As the Republican senator from California, Seymour chooses candidates for federal bench vacancies, which are lifetime positions, and recommends them to President Bush. McLaughlin, 49, is assigned to the complex litigation panel of Superior Court in Santa Ana. She drew attention last year for ordering reforms in the way youthful offenders are treated at Juvenile Hall in Orange. McLaughlin declined comment.