According to a news release, Pima County Chief Judge Jeffrey Burgin and Juvenile Court Chief Judge Michael Butler interviewed seven candidates and asked for public opinion before selecting Michael J. Announced Mr. Vampotic and Mr. Nathan T. Wade.

“We look forward to having Michael and Nathan join us on the bench soon,” Bergin said in a news release. “They will be a great addition to our court.”

Vampotic and Wade will fill the vacancies of Randy Barnett, who is promoted to Superior Court Judge, and Deborah Pratt, who is retiring.

Vampotic is an attorney, team leader, and unit member of the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, representing the Arizona Department of Child Safety in dependency litigation. He has also worked with the Pima County Child Guidance Office, according to a news release.

Wade is Pinal County’s Associate Deputy Attorney and Senior Attorney, overseeing court cases and advocating for criminal justice reform statewide. Prior to working in Pinal County, he served as an assistant public defender in Pima County, according to a news release.

According to previous news releases, the Chief Justice will serve in either the Superior Courts or the Juvenile Courts, handling cases involving family law, child support and enforcement, probate and guardianship, juvenile law, protection orders, and civil mental health matters. do.