Court orders other than injunctions may also be issued in the absence or incapacity of appointed judges. Various other minor court proceedings, such as collection of bail and enforcement of oaths, have jurisdiction under Arizona law. Court commissioners can also work in juvenile courts.

There are 18 seats for the Chief Justice in Pima County. The position of Chief Justice became vacant after Justice Randy Barnett was promoted to Superior Court Justice by Governor Katie Hobbs and Justice Deborah Pratt is set to retire.

State law requires the public to have a “full and fair opportunity” to participate in the appointment of the Chief Justice.

Five candidates from various law firms are under consideration.

• Derek Kortunovic, Attorney at Pima County Public Defender’s Office
• Victoria Otto, Attorney, Pima County Attorney’s Office
• Edina Strahm, Family Attorney at Private Firm
• Michael Vampotic, Attorney, Arizona Attorney General’s Office
• Nathan Wade, Attorney, Pinal County Public Defender’s Office

Candidates were narrowed down from 7 candidates in an interview on June 13th. The deadline for her comments is Monday, June 19th at 2pm. Comments can be emailed to humanresources@sc.pima.gov or faxed to (520). ) 724-4253.

The selection results will be announced later next week by Superior Court Chief Justice Jeffrey T. Bergin and Juvenile Court Chief Justice Michael Butler.