Local attorneys apply for bench

Frontiersman staff

ANCHORAGE -- Six local attorneys are among 14 applicants for the position of Palmer District Court Judge which became vacant last January with the resignation of Judge Suzanne Lombardi.

The candidates who have submitted applications to the Alaska Judicial council are Robert J. Collins, William Estelle, Charles T. Huguelet, Tara N. Logsdon, Randall Luffberry, Dennis F. Principe, Verne Rupright, Karen L. Jennings, Warren G. Kellicut, Laurence Keyes, J. Margaret L. Murphy, Vennie E. Nemecek, Joseph D. O'Connell, and Jennifer Wells.

Collins, 55, has practiced law for 25 years, graduated from John Marshall Law School in 1977, and is an assistant district attorney for the state of Alaska in Palmer.

Estelle, 48, is a life-long Alaska resident, has practiced law for 20 years and graduated from Duke University School of Law in 1983. Estelle is an assistant district attorney for the State of Alaska.

Logsdon, 32, has been an Alaska resident for seven years and has practiced law for six years. She graduated from Regent University School of Law in 1996, and is currently in private practice in Wasilla.

Luffberry, 58, has been an Alaska resident for 32 years. He has practiced law for 31 years and graduated from Dickenson School of Law in 1970. Luffberry is currently in private practice in Palmer.

Principe, 52, has been an Alaska resident for 14 years, and has practiced law for 12 years. He graduated from the University of Puget Sound School of Law in 1982, and is currently in private practice in Wasilla.

Rupright, 51, has been an Alaska resident for 26 years, and has practiced law for nine years. He graduated from Creighton University of Law in 1992, and is currently in private practice in Wasilla.

The Alaska Judicial Council is surveying active members of the Alaska Bar for evaluations of each candidate. The survey results will be made public on or about April 10, according to a press release from council. Background investigations, a survey of Alaska Peace officers, and personal interviews with the candidates are also part of the evaluation process.

Interviews with the candidates are tentatively scheduled to be held in Palmer in the beginning of May. A public hearing will also be held at that time. The council will then select two or more nominees to submit those names to Gov. Frank Murkowski. The governor has 45 days to make an appointment from the council's list.