SAIPAN — The Northern Marianas Bar Association has released evaluation results for the three judicial nominees put forward by Governor David M. Apatang, showing former Attorney General Joey P. San Nicolas drawing the highest scores and broadest support among active bar members.
The evaluation covered Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja, nominated for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court; Associate Judge Joseph James N. Camacho, nominated for Presiding Judge of the Superior Court; and San Nicolas, nominated for Associate Judge of the Superior Court. Of the 157 active bar members, participation rates ranged from 29.30 percent for San Nicolas to 38.85 percent for Camacho.
On a five-point scale, San Nicolas posted the highest overall scores across legal ability (3.50), integrity and impartiality (4.12), communication skills (3.60) and professionalism and temperament (3.81). Naraja scored highest on integrity and impartiality (4.20) and received a 67.3 percent support rate from respondents.
San Nicolas drew the strongest support at 76.1 percent, with 23.9 percent opposed.
The subcategory scores showed some notable variations. Camacho’s highest individual score was in leadership in professional activities, at 3.70. Naraja scored 4.43 in treating people with dignity and respect, the highest individual subcategory score among all three nominees. San Nicolas scored 4.32 in the same category.
“This is an unprecedented moment for our courts with nominations for three different judicial vacancies,” said Gretchen A. Smith, president of the Bar Association. “While the Senate conducts confirmation hearings, this data provides a vital snapshot of the legal community’s confidence.”
The Bar Association said its evaluation is conducted through an anonymous process and serves as the primary professional vetting mechanism in the CNMI, which uses a direct gubernatorial appointment model rather than an elected judiciary. The Senate is currently conducting confirmation hearings for all three nominees.
