Juneau, Alaska – Governor Sean Parnell today appointed Paul Olson to the Anchorage Superior Court.

Judge Olson’s appointment fills another of the three vacancies on the bench due to the appointment of Judge Sharon Gleason to the United States District Court, as well as the creation of two additional positions by the Alaska Legislature.

“Judge Olson will be an asset to the Anchorage Superior Court and to the community,” said Governor Parnell. “His diverse experience in public and private practice, and his time already on the bench has prepared him well for this position.”

Olson is currently serving as a district court judge in Anchorage, having been appointed in 2010, and has served as an acting district court judge and magistrate prior to his appointment. Olson has practiced law in Alaska for 34 years, including experience in private practice and work as an assistant district attorney and assistant attorney general. He also served as a hearing examiner for the Regulatory Commission of Alaska. Olson earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from St. Olaf College and a juris doctorate from the South Texas College of Law.

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.

Source: Office of Governor Parnell