Juneau, Alaska – Governor Sean Parnell yesterday appointed Bethany Harbison to the Fairbanks Superior Court and Erin Marston to the Anchorage Superior Court.

“Both Ms. Harbison and Mr. Marston will be fine additions to the Fairbanks and Anchorage Superior Courts,” Governor Parnell said. “Their respective experiences and skills have prepared them well for service to their communities on the bench.”

Harbison is a magistrate and master in Fairbanks. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Williams College and a juris doctorate from Harvard Law School. Harbison also served for 10 years with the Alaska Public Defender Agency. She participates in the Fairbanks Women’s Hockey Association, the Fairbanks Youth Soccer Association, the North Star Youth Court, and the Barnette Magnet School Parent Teacher Association.

Marston was born and raised in Anchorage, and is a partner at the Law Office of Marston & Cole PC. He primarily practices civil litigation with an emphasis in insurance defense and aviation law. In addition to extensive experience in commercial litigation, criminal prosecution, family law, and real estate, Marston served as an assistant district attorney in Anchorage. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Colby College and a juris doctorate from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. He is a volunteer pilot and attorney for the Iditarod Air Force, and participates in the Alaska Airmen’s Association.

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.