The Alaska Judicial Council is soliciting applications for an impending vacancy on the Bethel Superior Court due to the appointment of Judge Terrence Haas to the position of Public Defender. The Bethel Superior Court solicitation is in addition to the Council’s earlier solicitation for positions on the Juneau and Sitka Superior Courts, and the application deadline for those vacancies has been extended.
The Judicial Council must have completed applications for these three positions in its office by 3:00 p.m. on October 27, 2023. Alaska Judges must conform their conduct to the Alaska Code of Judicial Conduct and the laws of Alaska and the United States. They must be familiar with Alaska law, procedure, and trial practice.
A superior court judge must be a citizen of the United States and of the state of Alaska, a resident of Alaska for five years immediately preceding appointment, engaged in the active practice of law for not less than five years immediately preceding appointment, and at the time of appointment be licensed to practice law in Alaska. The active practice of law is defined in AS 22.05.070.
Applications are reviewed by the Alaska Judicial Council, a seven member citizens’ commission with three attorneys, three non-attorneys, and the chief justice of the Alaska Supreme court, who serves as Chair, ex ojjicio. Each applicant completes a detailed questionnaire covering all aspects of the applicants personal and professional history.
Applicants also submit a legal writing sample and references. Following the application closing date, the Council conducts a comprehensive investigation of the applicants. The Council asks the public for comments; reviews criminal and credit records; examines any litigation involving the applicants; looks at bar or judicial disciplinary records; sends out requests for more detailed information to attorneys and judges in recent cases handled by the applicants; checks references supplied by the applicants; contacts all former employers; surveys Alaska bar Association members about legal skills, integrity and other qualities; and does any other needed investigation.
Council members will meet in January 2024 to conduct a public hearing and to interview the applicants for all three vacancies.
At the end of the interviews, the Council deliberates in executive session. The Council then takes a public vote to nominate at least two of the most qualified applicants for each vacancy.
The Council votes on which applicants are the most qualified based upon consideration of the applicant’s professional competence, diligence and administrative skills, integrity, fairness, temperament, judgment, legal and life experience, demonstrated commitment to public and community service, and demonstrated commitment to equal justice and the legal needs of the diverse communities of Alaska.
The governor then has 45 days in which to appoint judges from the Council’s list of nominees.
Interested persons may obtain an application form by calling the Judicial Council office at (907) 279-2526 or online at the Council’s website (www.ajc.state.ak.us). Persons interested in applying for a position may obtain more information from the Judicial Council at 510 L Street, Suite 450, Anchorage, Alaska 99501-1295.
