ANCHORAGE — Gov. Bill Walker has appointed an Anchorage lawyer as Alaska’s top attorney.
Walker on Tuesday named Jahna Lindemuth as his new attorney general. She will begin in early August.
Walker’s office said Lindemuth is the second woman to be appointed to the post, and was among four finalists for the job. The first female AG was Grace Schaible, who served between 1987 and 1989 under the administration of then-Gov. Steve Cowper.
Walker said Lindemuth is highly regarded in legal circles for her “strong work ethic, professional demeanor, and compassion for Alaskans.”
Lindemuth will replace Craig Richards, who announced June 23 he was stepping down due to personal reasons. Richards was named AG in December 2014 shortly after Walker took office.
Walker’s office said Lindemuth has extensive experience in commercial litigation, administrative management and appellate work. Born and raised in Anchorage, Lindemuth is a partner in the law firm, Dorsey & Whitney, and heads the company’s Anchorage office.
The office of Sen. Lesil McGuire, R-Anchorage, released a formal statement shortly after the 3 p.m. announcement lauding Lindemuth’s selection.
“I was pleased by the appointment today of Jahna Lindemuth,” said McGuire, who leads the Senate Judiciary Committee. “She bring years of Alaska experience to bear on the legal challenges facing our great state. With the Alaska LNG project, Correction Reforms, Arctic Development and tribal sovereignty questions facing our state, I am confident Jahna Lindemuth will work for the best interests of all Alaskans.”
• The Juneau Empire contributed to this report.
Jahna Lindemuth, left, is introduced Tuesday, June 28, 2016, in Anchorage, Alaska, as the state’s new attorney general. Gov. Bill Walker, right, made the announcement at a news conference. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)
