Judicial Openings and Appointments

 

21 Applicants Being Considered for Superior Court in Maricopa County

 

PHOENIX - The public is invited to comment on 21 applicants for two vacancies on the Superior Court in Maricopa County created by the retirements of Hon. David J. Palmer and Hon. Christopher T. Whitten. AWLA Members are in Blue.

 

 

The applicants are:

 

Applications can be viewed online at the Commission’s website, azcourts.gov/jnc [azcourts.gov]. 

 

The Maricopa County Commission on Trial Court Appointments will review applications and hear comments at a public meeting on Oct. 1, 2026. The meeting will be held in Conference Room 101 of the Arizona State Courts Building, 1501 W. Washington, Phoenix, AZ 85007. The public meeting notice and meeting agenda will be posted on the Commission’s website at least seven days prior to the meeting.   

 

The public may address the Commission on the day of the meeting or send written comments to jnc@courts.az.gov or to 1501 W. Washington, Suite 221, Phoenix, AZ, 85007. It is not necessary to submit multiple copies of written comments – email is preferred. Comments must be received no later than Sept. 28 to be considered. Anonymous comments cannot be considered. 

 

 

The Commission will select the applicants to be interviewed at the Oct. 1 meeting, they will then be interviewed on Nov. 5, 2026. The logistics of this meeting will be available after the Oct. 1 meeting. After the interviews, the Commission will recommend at least three nominees for each opening to Gov. Katie Hobbs, who will appoint the new judges.

 

Seven Nominees Announced for Two Openings on Superior Court in Pima County

PHOENIX - The Pima County Commission on Trial Court Appointments has recommended seven nominees to Gov. Katie Hobbs for two openings on the Superior Court in Pima County. AWLA Members are in Blue.

The nominees for the opening created by the retirement of Hon. Christopher C. Browning and the appointment of Hon. D. Greg Sakall as a United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Arizona are:

• Soo Conatser, Republican, Commissioner with the Superior Court in Pima County
• Marie D. Kagie-Shutey, Democrat, Commissioner with the Superior Court in Pima County
• Tracy A. Miller, Republican, Judge Pro Tempore with the Superior Court in Pima County
• Nicole P. Savel, Democrat, Assistant U.S. Attorney with the United States Attorney’s Office
• Christina M. Vejar, Independent, Assistant U.S. Attorney with the United States Attorney’s Office
• Dawn R. Walton, Democrat, Commissioner with the Superior Court in Pima County
• Antonio L. Zapata, Democrat, Legal Advisor at the Tucson Police Department

Gov. Hobbs will make the appointments.

14 Nominees Announced for Two Openings on Division One of the Arizona Court of Appeals

 

PHOENIX - The Commission on Appellate Court Appointments has recommended 14 nominees to Gov. Katie Hobbs for two openings on Division One of the Arizona Court of Appeals. AWLA Members are in Blue.

 

The nominees for the opening created by the retirements of Hon. David B. Gass and Hon. Samuel A. Thumma are:

 

• Molly P. Brizgys, Independent, attorney at Mitchell Stein Carey Chapman, PC
• Sheena S. Chiang, Democrat, owner of the Law Office of Sheena Chiang, PLLC
• Monica N. B. Edelstein, Democrat, Superior Court Judge in Maricopa County
• Grace M. Guisewite, Independent, attorney supervisor and public defender at the Maricopa County Office of the Legal Advocate
• Jonathan E. Hauer, Democrat, Vice Chief Administrative Law Judge with the State of Arizona, Industrial Commission
• Karen L. Johnson Stillwell, Independent, assistant chief counsel with the City of Phoenix
• Alice M. Jones, Democrat, section chief counsel and deputy solicitor general at the Arizona Attorney General’s Office
• Suzanne S. Marwil, Republican, Superior Court Judge in Maricopa County
• Randal B. McDonald III, Democrat, managing attorney at the Law Office of Randal B. McDonald
• Timothy W. Overton, Independent, corporate counsel with Swift Transportation
• Alexander W. Samuels, Democrat, Principal Deputy Solicitor General at the Arizona Attorney General’s Office
• Mikel P. Steinfeld, Democrat, attorney supervisor at the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office
• Barry G. Stratford, Independent, partner with Ashurst Perkins Coie, US LLP2
• Erik Thorson, Democrat, Superior Court Judge in Maricopa County

 

The nominees’ applications can be viewed on the Commission’s website, azcourts.gov/jnc [azcourts.gov]. 

Governor Hobbs Announces Appointment of David Keys-Nunes, Joseph M. Rhoades, and Joshua M. Whitaker to Maricopa County Superior Court

Phoenix, AZ – Today, Governor Katie Hobbs announced the appointment of David Keys-Nunes, Joseph M. Rhoades, and Joshua M. Whitaker to the Maricopa County Superior Court. 

Commissioner Keys-Nunes has served as court commissioner in the court’s Family Department since 2025. Prior to his appointment as a court commissioner, Commissioner Keys-Nunes was in private practice, where he gained experience in civil litigation, criminal defense, and juvenile law. He also served on the Arizona Foster Care Review Board for over four years prior to his appointment as a court commissioner, and for 12 years as an officer and detective in the Phoenix Police Department prior to becoming an attorney.

AWLA Member Commissioner Rhoades was appointed as a court commissioner in 2023, and has served in the court’s Probate and Family Departments. Prior to joining the court, Commissioner Rhoades served for seven years as a practicing attorney in the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office. He was a public school teacher before beginning his legal career.

Mr. Whitaker has served in the Arizona Attorney General’s Office since 2020, first as senior litigation counsel in the Consumer Protection Division and Solicitor General’s Office and subsequently as Unit Chief in the Solicitor General’s Special Litigation Section. He was previously a litigation associate at Osborn Maledon, P.A. Mr. Whitaker has served as a judge pro tempore on the Maricopa County Superior Court in a volunteer capacity since 2025, and on the Chandler Citizens’ Panel for Review of Police Complaints and Use of Force since 2022.

“I am proud to appoint these three outstanding attorneys and public servants to the bench,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “Each has demonstrated superb legal knowledge and abilities, in addition to a passion for helping others and their communities. I am confident they will serve the people of Arizona well in their new roles.”

The appointments are to fill the vacancies created by the retirement of Judges Dean M. Fink, Michael D. Gordon, and Joan M. Sinclair.

Applications Being Accepted for Six Vacancies Created by Expansion of Superior Court in Pima County

 

PHOENIX - Applications are being accepted for six vacancies on the Superior Court in Pima County created by the addition of Divisions 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36, effective Sept. 21, 2026. 

 

The Pima County Commission on Trial Court Appointments will review applications, interview selected applicants and recommend at least three nominees for each vacancy to Gov. Katie Hobbs, who will appoint the new judges. 

 

The updated judicial application form can be downloaded at the Judicial Nominating Commission website: azcourts.gov/jnc [azcourts.gov]. Applications may also be obtained from the Administrative Office of the Courts, Human Resources Department, 1501 W. Washington, Suite 221, Phoenix, by calling 602-452-3311, or by sending an email request to jnc@courts.az.gov.  

 

Applicants must be at least 30 years of age, of good moral character, admitted to the practice of law in, and a resident of Arizona for the past five years, and a resident of Pima County for the past year. 

 

A signed and searchable PDF application with all attachments must be digitally submitted by 12 p.m. on Sept. 15, 2026. Please review the application instructions for guidance on submitting your electronic application.   

 

Applicants for the most recent vacancies in Pima County MUST reapply to be considered for the new vacancies. 

 

The Commission may, at its discretion, use applications filed for these vacancies to nominate candidates for any additional vacancies known to the Commission before the screening meeting for these vacancies is held.   

 

All meetings of the Pima County Commission on Trial Court Appointments are open to the public. Meeting dates will be announced.  

 

The current annual salary of a Superior Court judge is $200,000.

Applications Being Accepted for Two Vacancies on Superior Court in Maricopa County 

 

PHOENIX - Applications are being accepted for two vacancies on the Superior Court in Maricopa County created by the upcoming retirement of Hon. David J. Palmer and Hon. Christopher T. Whitten. 

 

The Maricopa County Commission on Trial Court Appointments will review applications, interview selected applicants and recommend at least three nominees for each vacancy to Gov. Katie Hobbs, who will appoint the new judges. 

 

The most current judicial application form can be downloaded at the Judicial Nominating Commission website: azcourts.gov/jnc [azcourts.gov]. Applications may also be obtained from the Administrative Office of the Courts, Human Resources Department, 1501 W. Washington, Suite 221, Phoenix, by calling 602-452-3311, or by sending an email request to jnc@courts.az.gov.  

 

Applicants must be at least 30 years of age, of good moral character, admitted to the practice of law in, and a resident of Arizona for the past five years, and a resident of Maricopa County for the past year. 

 

A signed and searchable PDF application with all attachments must be digitally submitted by 12 p.m. on Sept. 9, 2026. Please review the application instructions for guidance on submitting your electronic application.   

 

Applicants for the recent vacancies in Maricopa County DO NOT need to reapply to be considered for the new vacancies.

 

The Commission may, at its discretion, use applications filed for these vacancies to nominate candidates for any additional vacancies known to the Commission before the screening meeting for these vacancies is held.   

 

All meetings of the Maricopa County Commission on Trial Court Appointments are open to the public. Meeting dates will be announced.  

 

The current annual salary of a Superior Court judge is $200,000. 

CITY OF PHOENIX
MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE

The City of Phoenix Judicial Selection Advisory Board is currently accepting applications for the position of City Judge for the Phoenix Municipal Court. The Court is currently recruiting for two judicial vacancies, with the possibility that this recruitment will be used to fill additional vacancies that may arise in the future.

DUTIES: Preside over a variety of trial court cases including criminal misdemeanor complaints, traffic charges, jury and non-jury trials, pre-trial conferences, arraignments, motions, orders of protection, injunctions, and other court proceedings. The position requires familiarity and application of relevant state statutes, Phoenix city ordinances, Arizona Supreme Court Rules, evidentiary rules and case law. This position is filled by appointment by the City Council to a specified term. For more details, compensation, and benefits see here (and review listed job title “City Judge” with assigned Job Code: 10570).

REQUIREMENT: Admission to the Arizona State Bar and a minimum of five years practice of law or equivalent legal experience, with preference for at least five years of law practice in Arizona.

Applications are available through the Phoenix Municipal Court’s web site here or through the Judicial Selection Advisory Board c/o Office of the Chief Presiding Judge, Phoenix Municipal Court, 300 West Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003 (602) 262-1608.

Applications and Letters of Recommendation (limitation of 5 letters) must be received no later than 5:00 p.m., July 30th.

Any applications and/or Letters of Recommendation received after this date and time will not be considered.

Governor Hobbs Announces Appointment of Michael John Martinez Areinoff to Pima County Superior Court FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 12, 2026 CONTACT: press@az.gov Phoenix, AZ - Today, Governor Katie Hobbs announced the appointment of Michael John Martinez Areinoff to the Pima County Superior Court. Mr. Areinoff has served as Associate General Counsel for the Tucson Unified School District since 2021 and previously served as legal counsel for the district from 2008 to 2010. His experience also includes extensive criminal law practice, first with the Pima County Public Defender’s Office and later with the Federal Public Defender’s Office for the District of Arizona. He has also taught numerous courses in legal writing and criminal law and procedure at the University of Arizona. “Throughout his career, Mr. Areinoff has dutifully served the people of Pima County,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “His skills as an attorney and his dedication to public service and access to justice demonstrate that he is well prepared to be a judge, and I wish him all the best as he takes on this new role.” Mr. Areinoff’s appointment is to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Joan L. Wagener.

Governor Hobbs Announces Appointment of Aaron Demke to Mohave County Superior Court

May 21, 2026


Phoenix, AZ – Today, Governor Katie Hobbs announced the appointment of Aaron Demke to the Mohave County Superior Court. Judge Demke has served as a commissioner on the court since 2021. He previously served in the Mohave County Public Defender’s Office and the Mohave County Office of the Legal Advocate.

“Judge Demke has spent his entire legal career in the service of the people of Mohave County,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “He has established himself as a highly capable lawyer and judicial officer, and I am proud to appoint him to this new role.”

Judge Demke’s appointment is to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Lee F. Jantzen.