The Alaska Judicial Council is now accepting applications for positions on the Anchorage, Fairbanks, and the Ketchikan Superior Courts. The vacancies will occur due to the forthcoming retirements of Anchorage Superior Court Judge Gregory A. Miller, Fairbanks Superior Court Judge Michael A. MacDonald, and Ketchikan Superior Court Judge Trevor N. Stephens. Interested persons may obtain an application form by calling the Judicial Council office or online at the Council’s website (www.ajc.state.ak.us).
Alaska judges must conform their conduct to the Alaska Code of Judicial Conduct and the laws of Alaska and the United States. They are to 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 no less than five years immediately preceding appointment, and at the time of appointment be licensed to practice law in Alaska.
Applications are reviewed by the Judicial Council. Each applicant completes a detailed questionnaire covering all aspects of the applicant’s personal and professional history. Applicants also submit a legal writing sample and references.
The Judicial Council must have completed applications for these positions in its office by 3:00 p.m. on December 30, 2021. Following the closing date, Council will conduct a thorough investigation, including reviewing criminal and credit records and asking for public comments.
Council members will meet in May 2022 to conduct public hearings and to interview the applicants for the vacancies.
After executive session, the Council will take a public vote to nominate at least two of the most qualified applicants for each appointment. The governor has 45 days in which to appoint judges from the Council’s list of nominees.
Those interested in applying for those positions may obtain more information from the Alaska Judicial Council’s website or by calling (907) 279 – 2526.