Two Kenai Peninsula attorneys are being considered for the Juneau Superior Court, according to a press release from the Alaska Judicial Council.
The two attorneys include Amanda L. Browning, a magistrate judge who has been an Alaska resident for 10 years and has practiced law for 16 years. She graduated from Roger Williams University Ralph R. Pappito School of Law in 2005 and is currently a magistrate judge in Kenai, and Marianna Carpeneti, a resident for 36 years and has practiced law for 9 years. She graduated from the University of Washington School of Law in 2012 and is currently in private practice in Homer.
Another attorney who applied with local ties include Colleen Baxter, who’s worked with the Kenai District Attorney’s Office and the Kenai Superior Court. Baxter applied for Utqiagvik Superior Court.
Seven attorneys in total have applied for a position on the Juneau Superior Court, three attorneys have applied for a position on the Utqiagvik Superior Court, and seven attorneys have applied for a position on the Anchorage Superior Court. Applicants for the judgeships will be evaluated by the Council’s seven members, which includes the chief justice, three non-attorney members, and three attorney members.
Comprehensive background investigations, a survey of Alaska Bar members, and personal interviews with the applicants are all part of the evaluations, according to the Council’s Executive Director, Susanne DiPietro. Interviews with applicants and public hearings are scheduled for November 2021. At the end of the interviews, council will deliberate in executive session and take a public vote to nominate at least two of the most qualified applicants for each appointment. When the council selects the nominees, they will be sent to Gov. Mike Dunleavy, who will have 45 days to make appointments from the Council’s nominees after the Council makes its nominations.
The Alaska Judicial Council is encouraging public comment on the qualifications of these applicants during the evaluation phase of the council’s work. To comment, or for further information, contact the Susanne DiPietro, the Council’s Executive Director, at (907) 279-2526.
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