Applicants for Arizona Supreme Court Vacancy Announced (1/25/2019)

February 6, 2019

Thirteen individuals applied to fill the vacancy on the Arizona Supreme Court created by Justice Pelander’s retirement.

Thirteen individuals applied to fill the vacancy on the Arizona Supreme Court created by Justice Pelander’s retirement on March 1, 2019.  The diverse applicant pool includes judges from both divisions of the Arizona Court of Appeals, superior court judges from Gila and Pima counties, public servants, a private practitioner, and the head of an advocacy group:

  • Paul V. Avelar of the Institute for Justice
  • Hon. James P. Beene, an Arizona Court of Appeals Judge (Division One)
  • Hon. Sean E. Brearcliffe, an Arizona Court of Appeals Judge (Division Two)
  • Hon. Kent E. Cattani, an Arizona Court of Appeals Judge (Division One)
  • Hon. Maria Elena Cruz, an Arizona Court of Appeals Judge (Division One)
  • David J. Euchner of the Pima County Public Defender’s Office
  • Hon. Richard E. Gordon, a Pima County Superior Court Judge
  • Hon. Randall M. Howe, an Arizona Court of Appeals Judge (Division One)
  • Andrew M. Jacobs of Snell & Wilmer, LLP
  • William G. Montgomery of the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office
  • Regina L. Nassen of the Pima County Attorney’s Office
  • Hon. Jennifer M. Perkins, an Arizona Court of Appeals Judge (Division One)
  • Timothy M. Wright, a Gila County Superior Court Judge

The Commission on Appellate Court Appointments will review the applications and hear public comments on February 6, interview selected applicants on March 1, and send at least three candidates to Governor Ducey, who will then have 60 days within which to make his selection.