San Diego

Sen. Pete Wilson has nominated Mission Beach resident John Rhoades, a longtime friend and legal adviser, to serve as a trial judge with the U.S. District Court.

If approved by President Reagan, Rhoades, 60, will take the seat currently held by U.S. District Judge Leland Nielsen. Nielsen will remain on the court with senior status, which allows him to handle a smaller workload.

Presidential approval is likely, Wilson aide Linda Royster said Tuesday. “Generally the President does follow the recommendation of senators in nominating candidates for the federal bench,” she said. The nomination also requires Senate approval.

The District Court job pays $76,000 a year and is effective for life.

Also on Monday, Wilson (R-Calif.) nominated San Diego lawyer David R. Thompson, 54, for a post on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.