Cathy Easter, who is currently an Anchorage District Court judge, got a boost from Governor Parnell yesterday.

Governor Parnell announced yesterday that he had appointed Judge Easter to the Anchorage Superior Court. She will fill the spot vacated by Judge Sharon Gleason, who was recently appointed to the United States District Court.

“Judge Easter’s legal expertise and her commitment to community service will benefit the Anchorage Superior bench,” said Governor Parnell. “Her talents are recognized by her peers, and her dedication will serve the community well.”

Judge Easter has served in her current position since 2008. Before that, for the past 20 years, she devoted most of her professional time practicing criminal defense with the Office of Public Advocacy and the Alaska Public Defender Agency.

She attended Seattle University and then the University of San Diego, where she earned her juris doctorate.

Alaska’s Superior Courts are trial courts for both civil and criminal cases. They also serve as appellate courts for cases from the district courts and some administrative agencies. Superior courts hear cases involving children, domestic relations and property matters.