Most of the lawyers Donald Trump has recently selected for lifetime appointments to the federal bench resemble those of his first presidency, despite his threat to abandon the Federalist Society and the establishment conservatism that drove his first-term judicial juggernaut.

The nominations through mid-August, more than 20 total, have drawn the attention of influential right-wing voices looking ahead to a possible vacancy at the US Supreme Court.

Lawyers familiar with the current process say Trump has been more involved this term, speaking with some potential candidates. And White House attorneys appear aware that jurists contemplating retirement are watching whom Trump is choosing for lifetime seats in the three-tier US judiciary.

After early bluster and the contentious choice of Emil

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