I.O.P. 3.2: Presiding Judge
Local Appellate Rules and Internal Operating Procedures of the Third Circuit — I.O.P. Chapter 3. Composition of Panels and Order of Precedence
The chief judge is the presiding judge. In the absence of the chief judge, the presiding judge is that judge of this court in active service next in precedence. See 28 U.S.C. Section 45(b). Other active circuit judges sit in order of precedence based on the seniority of their commissions, followed by senior circuit judges and visiting judges.