Governor Parnell announced yesterday that he had appointed Anchorage attorney Peter Maassen to the Alaska Supreme Court.

Maassen was picked from a list of two applicants nominated by the Alaska Judicial Council.

Maassen, the 22nd justice appointed to the court, will replace Justice Morgan Christen, who has been appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.

Maassen came to Alaska in 1980 with his wife, and has been in private practice most of his career. He earned a bachelor’s degree at Hope College and his juris doctorate at the University of Michigan Law School. He is currently a partner at the general civil firm Ingaldson, Maassen & Fitzgerald PC, which represents individuals, businesses, government entities, and non-profits in litigation. Prior to that, he worked at Burr, Pease & Kurtz PC, practicing as an associate and eventually as a partner.

He is also a member of the Anchorage Youth Court Board of Directors and the Alaska Bar Association Board of Governors. His interests include skiing and biking.

“Peter’s thoughtful, humble, and articulate manner will be an asset to the Supreme Court and the Alaskans it serves,” Governor Parnell said. “He has strong legal writing skills, intelligence, and a background that includes operating a small business.”