Palmer public defender in final list of judge applicants

PALMER -- The names of four of 15 original applicants for a new judgeship in Palmer have been sent to Gov. Frank Murkowski for his appointment.

Gregory L. Heath, supervising attorney for the Public Defender Agency in Palmer, is among the finalists.

Heath, 46, has been an Alaska resident for 10 years, and has practiced law for 11 years. He graduated from the University of Montana School of Law in 1993.

Others in the running include Laurence Keyes, 54, a private attorney in Anchorage. He graduated from Gonzaga University Law School in 1981, has practiced law for 21 years, and has been an Alaska resident for 26 years.

Stephen B. Wallace, 45, an assistant district attorney for the state of Alaska, also is on the short list. The 1988 University of Oregon School of Law graduate has practiced law for 14 years, and has resided in Alaska for 20 years.

Also in the running is Jennifer K. Wells, 40, a committing magistrate and standing superior court master for the Alaska Court System in Anchorage. She graduated from Suffolk University School of Law in 1990, has practiced law for 11 years, and has lived in Alaska for 12 years.

The list of applicants was pared by the Alaska Judicial Council, which announced the finalists Oct. 10. The council is a citizen committee consisting of three attorneys, three non-attorneys and the chief justice of the Alaska Supreme Court.

Murkowski has 45 days to make his selection.