James A. Goodman of Bangor has been named chief judge of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maine.

Goodman had served as the bankruptcy judge at the Bangor federal courthouse since Dec. 30, 1981. His new assignment will take him to Portland, where he will replace Chief Judge Frederick A. Johnson, who retired Feb. 28.

The 53-year-old Goodman began his practice of law in Bangor in 1961. A specialist in corporate law, he represented both creditors and debtors in more than 4,000 Maine bankruptcy cases before his selection as a bankruptcy judge eight years ago. He replaced Conrad K. Cyr, who was appointed to the U.S. District Court and now serves on the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Goodman will hear cases in both Bangor and Portland until a new bankruptcy judge is selected to serve the northern portion of the state. The Judicial Council of the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will recommend a candidate to President Bush, who will appoint the new judge with the consent of the U.S. Senate.

“The search is well under way,” said Goodman, who expected his replacement to be nominated in the near future.

The 53-year-old Goodman attended Bangor public schools and Hebron Academy. A graduate of Tufts University, he received a law degree from Boston University. He and his wife, Marjorie, have four children.