Introduction
The National Council of Justice (CNJ) has suspended the process to appoint a new judge to the 6th Labor Court (TRT‑6) in Pernambuco. The decision follows a formal contestation of the voting results that produced a triple list of candidates, all of them women, a fact celebrated as a historic milestone for the court.
What triggered the suspension
Judge Mayard de França Saboya Albuquerque, who serves in the 2nd Labor Court of Jaboatão dos Guararapes, challenged the outcome of the October vote. She had previously appeared on two earlier triple lists, ranking third and second, but placed seventh in the most recent selection. Her objection focuses on the votes of four desembargadores—Virgínio Benevides, Fernando Cabral, Edmilson Alves, and Paulo Alcântara e Ibrahim Alves—arguing that the scores do not reflect her official performance metrics, such as case‑processing speed and conciliation results.
Data presented in response
In reaction to the challenge, the TRT‑6 submitted documentation confirming that Judge Mayard was responsible for 13,866 conciliation hearings across her assigned court and the Jaboatão center. The CNJ counselor Andréa Cunha Esmeraldo granted a preliminary injunction to deepen the analysis of the voting criteria, ordering the suspension of the appointment until the controversy is examined.
Legal implications and next steps
The injunction will be submitted to the CNJ’s plenary session for confirmation. If upheld, the validity of the votes and the possible adjustment of the triple list will be assessed on the merits. The case is registered under number 009409‑19.2026.2.00.0000. The judge is represented by lawyers Rodrigo Mesquita and Matheus Castro Alves, from Melo Mesquita Advogados.
FAQ
Why did the CNJ suspend the TRT‑6 selection?
The suspension was ordered after Judge Mayard de França Saboya Albuquerque contested the voting results, claiming that the scores did not accurately reflect her productivity and conciliation performance.
Who are the candidates on the triple list?
The list consists of Patrícia Coelho Brandão Vieira, Roberta Corrêa de Araújo Monteiro, and Ana Cristina da Silva, all recognized for their professional credentials.
What evidence did the judge provide to support her claim?
TRT‑6 documented that Judge Mayard handled 13,866 conciliation hearings in Jaboatão dos Guararapes, data she argues should have been reflected in the voting scores.
What happens next in the legal process?
The preliminary injunction will be reviewed by the CNJ plenary; a final decision will determine whether the votes are valid and whether the triple list will be altered.
Who are the legal representatives in this case?
Judge Mayard is represented by Rodrigo Mesquita and Matheus Castro Alves, attorneys at Melo Mesquita Advogados.
Conclusion
The CNJ’s move underscores the importance of transparent and data‑driven criteria in judicial appointments. Stakeholders await the plenary’s verdict, which could set a precedent for future selections in Brazil’s labor judiciary.
Perguntas Frequentes
Why did the CNJ suspend the TRT‑6 selection?
The suspension was ordered after Judge Mayard de França Saboya Albuquerque contested the voting results, claiming that the scores did not accurately reflect her productivity and conciliation performance.
Who are the candidates on the triple list?
The list consists of Patrícia Coelho Brandão Vieira, Roberta Corrêa de Araújo Monteiro, and Ana Cristina da Silva, all recognized for their professional credentials.
What evidence did the judge provide to support her claim?
TRT‑6 documented that Judge Mayard handled 13,866 conciliation hearings in Jaboatão dos Guararapes, data she argues should have been reflected in the voting scores.
What happens next in the legal process?
The preliminary injunction will be reviewed by the CNJ plenary; a final decision will determine whether the votes are valid and whether the triple list will be altered.
Who are the legal representatives in this case?
Judge Mayard is represented by Rodrigo Mesquita and Matheus Castro Alves, attorneys at Melo Mesquita Advogados.