Michael Jeffery Named to Barrow Superior Court

THE SOUNDER STAFF
sounder@alaskanewspapers.com

May 30, 2008 at 2:50PM AKST

 

Gov. Sarah Palin reappointed Michael I. Jeffery to the Barrow Superior Court on Friday, May 30.

Jeffery, 63, has lived in Barrow for 31 years and has a long record of legal service to Barrow and North Slope villages.

Originally from Los Angeles, he graduated from Stanford University and Yale Law School before moving to Barrow in January 1977. He has specialized training in alcohol/drug addiction and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

“Michael brings a wealth of academic and professional experience to the bench,” Gov. Palin said. 

“The people of Barrow and the Alaska judicial system will be well-served by his expertise and passion for the law.”

Jeffery is active in Rotary Club International, faith activities, and an Eskimo dance group.  He and his wife, Esther, have three grown children. The family does commercial setnet salmon fishing each summer near Dillingham.

Gov. Palin chose Jeffery from a list of candidates submitted to her by the Alaska Judicial Council. She made the selection from the Council’s list within 45 days, as required by the Alaska Constitution. 

The Judicial Council is an independent citizen’s commission created by the Alaska Constitution.