The Latest: Attorney’s work ethic, degree impressed Walker

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Latest on the selection of Susan Carney as the new justice on the Alaska Supreme Court (all times local):

2:25 p.m.

The newest member of the Alaska Supreme Court graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School, and could have commanded a seven-figure salary.

Instead, Susan Carney went to work for the Office of Public Advocacy in Fairbanks.

Gov. Bill Walker says he’s impressed by her degree, but more so by what she’s done with it.

Walker says he was touched by her experience and commitment to working in rural Alaska.

He named Carney on Thursday to replace Justice Dana Fabe, who retires June 1.

Carney says she’s stunned and overwhelmed by the selection, but adds that she’s thankful and honoured.

She plans to continue living in Fairbanks and commute to Anchorage when needed for court work.

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12:47 p.m.

Susan Carney will be the newest member of the Alaska Supreme Court.

Gov. Bill Walker announced Carney’s appointment on Thursday. She will replace Justice Dana Fabe, who will retire June 1.

The announcement came during the annual Alaska Bar Association convention in Anchorage.

Carney is a supervising attorney for the Office of Public Advocacy in Fairbanks.

She was among four finalists for the position, as recommended by the Alaska Judicial Council on March 31.

The other finalists were Anchorage Superior Court Judge Andrew Guidi; Anchorage private attorney Jahna Lindemuth, and Juneau Superior Court Judge Philip Pallenberg of Juneau.

Carney says she is humbled by her selection to the court.