We told you last month that David Lat was stepping down as Above the Law‘s editor-in-chief and that the powers that be over there were in the process of choosing someone to fill his shoes. Well in keeping with the theme of the season (be it television or presidential) ATL decided to let its readers choose their next leader (also known as, “a mass of angry anonymous commenters, looking for someone new with whom to have a love-hate relationship”).

Apparently, ATL narrowed the applicants down to the top six (some of whom stayed anonymous so that they could keep their day jobs) and then foisted them on the readers who got vote on a weekly basis based on the candidates performance in varying assignments. There was also a panel of “celebrity” judges (Ann Althouse, Tom Goldstein, and Dahlia Lithwick). Could this be the first reality blogging contest ever? Simon Cowell should take note! Anyway, with almost 1900 votes cast it seems they have found themselves a winner! Sophist, who will be introducing himself shortly is expected to take over the reins sometime next month.