Arizona’s 1st Capital Post-Conviction Public Defender Appointed

Gov. Napolitano announced her nomination of Martin Lieberman as Arizona’s 1st Capital Post-conviction Public Defender. Lieberman will serve a 4-year term ending in January 2011 subject to senate confirmation.

As Capital Post-conviction Public Defender, Mr. Lieberman will be responsible for directing & overseeing the State Capital Post-conviction Public Defender’s Office (Office), which will represent any person sentenced to death who is financially unable to hire a lawyer in post-conviction relief proceedings. The Public Defender is also responsible for managing the operation, activities, policies & procedures of the Office. The Public Defender’s Office was established by Senate Bill 1376 during the 2006 legislative session & stipulates that the Governor shall appoint the Public Defender on the basis of merit.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the high standard for the Office that Marty is going to set,” Governor Napolitano said. “His extensive background in criminal & indigent defense, along with his experience with his own practice makes him well-suited to undertake this position.”

Lieberman began his work in capital cases shortly after he began practicing law in 1985. He opened his own firm in 1990, & has extensive experience in capital cases. The State Bar of Arizona granted him his certification as a criminal law specialist in 1993.

The Nomination, Retention & Standards Commission on Indigent Defense, chaired by Jim Belanger, unanimously recommended Mr. Lieberman.