Dunleavy adds judges in Homer, Kenai, Palmer, Valdez

Gov. Mike Dunleavy made four judicial appointments on Friday to the Superior and District courts in Homer, Kenai, Palmer and Valdez. The judges were selected from a group of individuals nominated by the Alaska Judicial Council. Together they have a combined 66 years of residency in Alaska, and more than 63 years of experience in the legal field.

Rachel Ahrens has been appointed to the Valdez Superior Court. Ahrens has been an Alaska resident for 12½ years, and has practiced law for 13½ years. She graduated from Hamline University School of Law in 2003, and is currently an assistant district attorney in Kotzebue.

Martin C. Fallon has been appointed to the Kenai District Court. Magistrate Judge Fallon has been an Alaska resident for 11½ years, and has practiced law for 20 years. He graduated from Northeastern University School of Law in 1998, and is currently a magistrate judge in Kenai.

Bride Siefert has been appointed to the Homer Superior Court. Seifert has been an Alaska resident for 8½ years, and has practiced law for 10 years. She graduated from William Mitchell College of Law in Minnesota in 2010, and is currently an assistant district attorney in Kotzebue.

Shawn Traini has been appointed to the Palmer District Court. Traini has been an Alaska resident for 33½ years, and has practiced law for 20 years. He graduated from the University of Utah, S.J. Quinney College of Law, in 1999, and is currently an assistant district attorney in Palmer.