“They bring different things to the bench, and so I think that they should both be sent up,” Yvette Soutiere said, offering praise for two candidates who will soon face a decision by the Governor.
District Court Judge Kirsten Swanson retired in September, changing the Juneau judicial court system. 30. The Alaska Judicial Council has nominated two attorneys to fill the vacancy left by Swanson, who had served on the bench since her appointment by former Governor Bill Walker in 2016. The two nominees, Kevin Higgins and Margaret McWilliams, now await a final decision from Governor Mike Dunleavy.
This transition comes at a time of judicial movement in Juneau. While the District Court vacancy remains the immediate focus, Superior Court Judge Marianna Carpeneti will remain on the bench following her recent retention election. Despite the Alaska Judicial Council not issuing a recommendation for her retention, unofficial results showed that 66% of Juneau voters cast “yes” votes to keep her in her position. Carpeneti, who has served as a Juneau Superior Court Judge since 2021, is not scheduled for another retention election until 2032.
Two legal paths for the Juneau District Court
The selection process for the District Court seat has moved into its final phase after the Alaska Judicial Council held a public comment session on Monday. The council’s task is to vet applicants and provide a shortlist of candidates for the executive branch to consider. For this vacancy, the council has narrowed the field to two distinct legal professionals with deep roots in the Alaska legal community.
Kevin Higgins currently serves as an assistant attorney general for the Alaska Department of Law in Juneau. During the public comment period, Mary Alice McKeen, a member of the Alaska Bar Association for over 40 years, highlighted the breadth of Higgins’ background. McKeen noted that his career has spanned several critical roles, including serving as a public defender and practicing in the very court where he now seeks a judgeship.
Margaret McWilliams, on the other hand, serves as the deputy director for the Office of Public Advocacy in Juneau. Her candidacy drew support from local attorney Yvette Soutiere, who described McWilliams as an incredibly skilled and honest mentor. Soutiere noted that while she and McWilliams have not always been on the same side of legal battles, McWilliams possesses a temperament that is well-suited for the judiciary.
The governor holds the final decision
While the Alaska Judicial Council has performed its role in vetting and nominating, the ultimate power to fill the seat rests with Governor Mike Dunleavy. The Governor is tasked with selecting one of the two nominees to serve as the Juneau District Court judge.
Governor Dunleavy has a 45-day window from the time of the nomination to make his final appointment. Once the selection is made, the new judge will step into the role vacated by Judge Swanson.
