Geraghty
JUNEAU, Alaska (Legal Newsline) - Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell on Thursday announced the appointment of Michael C. Geraghty as the state's next top lawyer.
Geraghty, a partner with DeLisio, Moran, Geraghty and Zobel PC in Anchorage, succeeds John Burns, who stepped down on Jan. 2.
"Mr. Geraghty is an accomplished attorney, and, as a lifelong Alaska resident, is dedicated to Alaska's interests," Parnell said in a statement. "He brings a wealth of experience and sound judgment to the Department of Law."
The state's new attorney general joined the firm that currently bears his name in 1979, focusing on complex litigation and trial work before state and federal courts.
"It's both an honor and a privilege to accept this appointment to lead the Department of Law and represent the State of Alaska," Geraghty said in a statement. "There are many important challenges facing the state and I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work."
Born and raised in Fairbanks, he received his law degree from Santa Clara University in California in 1978. He earned his undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Hawaii in 1974.
Burns, who announced he was leaving in November, served as attorney general since December 2010.
In his resignation letter to Parnell, the longtime Fairbanks attorney said he wanted to spend more time with his family.
"It is with a heavy heart that I tender my resignation as attorney general. I have been privileged and honored to serve you and the State of Alaska during this past year. My resignation is based solely on personal reasons," Burns said.
"Although I have come to realize that it is possible to live out of a suitcase, doing so is neither fair to family nor particularly conducive to one's health. Family and balance in one's life should always be one's first priority and everything else secondary."
Parnell described Burns as a "capable leader" and "true public servant."
From Legal Newsline: Reach Jessica Karmasek by email at jessica@legalnewsline.com.