OPINION: Alaska needs judges like Judge Zeman

We are a group of former colleagues, longtime friends, coaches, teachers and a former judge for whom Judge Adolf Zeman worked. Judge Zeman mentored some of us when we were young attorneys, and some of us mentored him as he grew to become a skilled and active member of the legal community. We want you to know that he is an honorable human being, an unsung leader in our community, and an exceptional judge. We are not alone in appreciating that his sense of community, humanity, knowledge and commitment to the Constitution improves the Alaska state justice system and the lives of many who appear before him.

First and foremost, Judge Zeman repeatedly demonstrates a deep appreciation for and commitment to upholding Alaska’s constitution and the laws of this state. That is his job. Those of us who are attorneys know his legal acumen is worthy of high praise, and his professional integrity is above reproach. He upholds the Alaska Constitution with great care, fully understanding that decisions he makes, no matter how popular or unpopular they may be, will affect the lives of fellow Alaskans. He strives to rule fairly — using the law as his guideposts. Judge Zeman offers the same careful, thoughtful consideration he demonstrated as an attorney to the issues brought before him in court. His actions are measured, his writing is polished and his analytical skills are unmatched.

We are grateful that someone with Judge Zeman’s legal skills and professional integrity wants to be a judge — it is a difficult job that requires integrity, patience, fortitude, respect and compassion. It also requires dedication to being fair and impartial in applying the law to ensure that decisions support a justice system that serves all who come into the courtroom. It is not a job that everyone could do well. Judge Zeman considers both sides of an issue thoughtfully and without judgment. His stable worldview enables him to consider the “bigger picture” policy implications of disputes brought before him — while always respecting Alaska’s constitution.

Born and raised in a bilingual home in Anchorage, and a graduate of East High School, Judge Zeman repeatedly demonstrates that he values community. He has mentored many — whether young attorneys or youth sports coaches, and he has encouraged many to give back to their community in any number of ways and fostered strong community relationships. As young lawyers, some of us became involved in volunteer work to help those who cannot afford legal representation thanks to Judge Zeman’s encouragement. He donated countless hours to legal clinics such as the Elizabeth Peratrovich Legal Clinic, signed up associates in his former law firm to engage in civics education on Martin Luther King Day, and impressed upon all of us his own sense of what it means to be a lawyer who values and is dedicated to community.

Judge Zeman is also an incredibly kind and generous person who is interested in, and committed to, a wide cross-section of the community to make this a better place for all. He is a community builder and people connector who facilitates discussion across divides. Fluent in Spanish, he is able to communicate with a more diverse population. He formed his neighborhood’s Community Watch program and organized softball teams. And despite his deep community involvement and the demands of his job, he remains attentive and dedicated to his young family.

All of these attributes make Judge Zeman exactly the type of judge who Alaskans want in our courts. He raises the bar for everyone, demonstrating the highest standard of professional conduct and unwavering professional integrity while strengthening our community. Our greatest fear is that we will deter people like Adolf Zeman — committed to the Constitution and laws of this state while serving with compassion and integrity — from becoming judges if we don’t finish our ballots by supporting judges like him in their retention.

Please look at Judge Zeman’s record — he received high performance reviews after the Alaska Judicial Council performed a rigorous evaluation of his job performance, gathering information from thousands of individuals who interacted with him. Judge Zeman has earned the Council’s — and our — support.

Alaskans need — and want — judges just like Judge Zeman.

Please join us in voting yes to retain Judge Zeman. This state will suffer a great loss if you do not.

Stephanie Aicher is chief legal officer for CIRI. Megan Sandone is a shareholder, with Jermain Dunnagan and Owens PC. Walter Tutiq Featherly is an attorney and candidate for the Alaska Legislature. (Retired) Judge Stephanie Joannides is a colleague for whom Judge Zeman clerked. Danielle Ryman is a 25-year practice and corporate in-house attorney in Alaska. Joe Moran is a retired partner from Moran, Geraghty and Zobel PC, where Judge Zeman previously practiced. Bruce A. Moore, William Pearson, Leslie Need and Howard Trickey are attorneys. Harry Need is senior director of philanthropic services at the University of Alaska Foundation. Patti Prusak is a retired Anchorage School District teacher. Linda Occhipinti is a corporate paralegal at CIRI. All of the authors write on their own behalf and not that of their employers or organizations.

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