JUDICIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
GOVERNOR JAN BREWER NAMES APPOINTMENTS TO THE PIMA COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT
Governor Jan Brewer today appointed attorneys Sean Earl Brearcliffe, Michael Joseph Butler and Brenden James Griffin to the Pima County Superior Court.
“Sean brings to the bench an extensive background in civil, commercial and appellate law,” said Governor Brewer. “His recent passion for a judgeship – inspired by working with Judge John Roll on various projects – is tangible and refreshing. I am confident the fine legacy of Chief Judge Roll will be carried forth by Sean, and that he will be a tremendous asset to the people of Pima County.”
Since joining the firm in 1998, Mr. Brearcliffe has become a partner and an owner of Rusing Lopez & Lizardi. He previously worked in the law office of Richard Burris (1996-1998). Mr. Brearcliffe’s primary areas of practice include commercial litigation; cases involving construction, insurance and personal injury issues; and appellate matters.
In addition to his legal experience, Mr. Brearcliffe was a member of the Pantano Rotary Club (2001-10), where he also served as President (2004-05). He also served as Treasurer of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tucson (1999-05) and Chairman of the Rules Committee for the Pima County Bar Association and chaired three reappointment committees for U.S. District Court Magistrate positions.
Mr. Brearcliffe is a veteran of the United States Air Force (1983-1989). In 2006, he was awarded a Certificate of Recognition for his service in the Cold War. He graduated from the Golden Gate University School of Law (1995) and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Cal State University-Hayward (1991). Mr. Brearcliffe has been licensed to practice law in Arizona since 1996.
Governor Brewer also has appointed Michael Butler to the Pima County Superior Court.
“I am pleased to appoint Michael Butler to the Pima County Superior Court,” said Governor Brewer. “Michael’s strong background in commercial law, administrative law and appellate matters – coupled with having worked primarily for small firms and on behalf of small businesses – will bring a distinct and diverse professional background to the court system. Additionally, Michael’s experience outside the legal realm, including his time as certified emergency paramedic, will bring a unique perspective to the Court that will allow him to serve the citizens of Pima County well.”
Mr. Butler has been a senior partner at Butler, Oden & Jackson since 2009. While the majority of his practice focuses on real estate and business dispute litigation matters, he also handles transactional matters and general business consulting. Previously, he worked for Butler & Associates (2007-09); Collins Butler (2003-07); the Law Office of Michael Butler (2000-03); the Law Office of George Feulner (1996-2000); Brown & Bain (1994-96); and as an Arizona Supreme Court Clerk for The Honorable Fred Martone (1993-94).
Mr. Butler has participated in the Volunteer Lawyers Program since 2008. He also served on the Board of Governors for St. Michael’s Parish Day School (2005-08). He was nominated Tucson Paramedic of the Year four years in a row.
Mr. Butler has been licensed to practice law in Arizona since 1993. He graduated Order of the Coif from the University of Arizona School of Law (summa cum laude) in 1993, and received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the University of Arizona in 1990.
Governor Brewer also has appointed Brenden Griffin to the Pima County Superior Court.
“Brenden’s legal background – including commercial, personal injury, trust and estate, insurance law and employment litigation – have well-equipped him to serve in this distinguished role,” said Governor Brewer. “Additionally, having served three times on a jury, Brenden will offer a perspective unique and invaluable to the bench. I know he will serve Pima County with great distinction.”
Mr. Griffin has worked as a partner with the law firm of Gabroy, Rollman & Bosse, P.C. since 2011.
Previously, Mr. Griffin worked for Lewis & Roca (1996-2010); Pillsbury, Madison & Sutro (1995-96) and served as Law Clerk for the Illinois Appellate Court (1994-95). Since 2011, Mr. Griffin has served as a Judge Pro Tempore for the Pima County Superior Court.
Additionally, Mr. Griffin has served as Vice President of Catholic Community Services (2005-07) and is involved with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Arizona. He works with several law-related associations, including as a member of the Pima County Bar Association board. The Tucson branch of the National Association of Legal Support Professionals honored him with the “Boss of the Year” award.
Mr. Griffin graduated Order of the Coif from the University of San Diego School of Law (1994), where he received six American Jurisprudence awards for obtaining the top grade in various courses. He also received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of San Diego in Business Administration/International Relations (1991).
Mr. Brearcliffe, Mr. Butler and Mr. Griffin each have earned an AV Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, a testament to their high level of professional excellence and ethical standards.
These three appointments were made to fill vacancies created by the retirement of Judge Terry L. Chandler and Judge Jan E. Kearney, and the appointment of Judge Michael O. Miller to Division Two of the Arizona Court of Appeals.
GOVERNOR JAN BREWER ANNOUNCES JUDICIAL VACANCY IN YUMA COUNTY
Governor Jan Brewer today announced she has begun accepting applications for a vacant judicial position on the Yuma County Superior Court. The vacancy was created by the resignation of Judge Jim Clark.
Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on May 24, 2013. A copy of the application and instructions for applying can be downloaded at www.azgovernor.gov.
APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR VACANCY ON DIVISION ONE OF THE ARIZONA COURT OF APPEALS
Applications are being accepted for a vacancy on Division One of the Arizona Court of Appeals, created by the retirement of Judge Philip Hall. The Commission on Appellate Court Appointments will review applications, interview selected applicants, and recommend at least three nominees to Governor Jan Brewer.
Applicants must be at least 30 years of age, of good moral character, and admitted to the practice of law in Arizona, as well as a resident of Arizona, for the past five years. To be eligible, an applicant must also have resided in one of the following counties for the past three years: Apache, Coconino, La Paz, Mohave, Navajo, Yavapai or Yuma.
Applications may be obtained from the Administrative Office of the Courts, Human Resources Division, 1501 W. Washington, Suite 221, Phoenix, by calling (602) 452-3311, by sending an electronic mail request to jnc@courts.az.gov, or at the Judicial Department web site: www.azcourts.gov/jnc.
The original completed application and 16 copies must be returned to the Administrative Office of the Courts, Human Resources Division, 1501 W. Washington, Suite 221, Phoenix, AZ, 85007, by 3:00 p.m. on May 30, 2013. The Commission may, at its discretion, use the applications filed for this vacancy to nominate candidates for any additional vacancies known to the Commission before the screening meeting for this vacancy is held.
All meetings of the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments are open to the public.
The new judge will be paid $150,000 annually.