Former Nenana resident becomes one of the state's youngest magistrates
Published Saturday, June 7, 2008
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Stumble It!While most law students are still struggling to get their degrees, 27-year-old Chris McLain will be sitting on the bench in a little more than a week.
McLain, originally from Nenana, was sworn in Friday afternoon as the new magistrate for Alaska’s Fourth Judicial District located in Galena, making him one of the youngest judges in the state.
“I’ve always had respect for the law,” he said. “Everything in society has to do with the law in some manner.”
More than two dozen people packed into Superior District Court Judge Douglas Blankenship’s courtroom to watch McLain get sworn in.
“I know how good magistrates are based on the number of complaints I get,” Blankenship joked. “So if I never have to talk to you, you’re doing a good job.”
The newly sworn-in magistrate first became interested in law in junior high.
His interest in the subject pushed him to study criminal justice at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and he became the first in his family to graduate from college.
Magistrates in smaller Alaska districts, such as Galena, are not required to have law degrees, so while McLain has two bachelor’s of arts degrees and spent several years working as a paralegal for a local defense attorney, he’s never taken a law school class.
Still, that didn’t stop him from being selected as a magistrate from a pool of candidates that included several attorneys with more experience.
“I just sold it,” McLain said. “I really wanted to be a magistrate.”
Though he would still like to go to law school and become a defense attorney, McLain said he plans to stay in Galena for some time.
When he reports for his first day of work June 16, McLain will preside over seven predominantly Native villages in western Alaska, including Nulato and Kaltag. McLain’s 5 year-old daughter is part Native, and having lived in the largely Native community of Nenana, he believes he is uniquely capable of doing the job.
“I went out there, got a home and met with the elders and city officials,” he said. “We have a good working relationship.”
Community Discussion
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It's inappropriate to allow non-lawyers to become magistrates. They don't know the law, court procedures, rules of evidence, etc. It makes for poor rulings. Lawyers must go through law school and a bar exam to step foot in front of the bar in a courtroom to make sure they're competent. We should expect no less from our judicial officers.
"Though he would still like to go to law school and become a defense attorney, McLain said he plans to stay in Galena for some time."
This statement concerns me. He would still like to go to law school and become a defense attorney. As a magistrate, he had better understand he needs to view information from prosecution and defense to make what decisions he is allowed to from the bench. With his thought process focused on the defense, I am concerned for the well being of the communities he will be serving.
This is a mistake.
Give this young man a break!! Maybe your should read it again. HE WAS APPOINTED by a panel of Judges out of many applicants. Does that not tell the people something? I feel he will be justly fair with all people of all ages as he adores the elderly also. It is not like he will not be judged by his supieriors through this position at all times. Think you want to put your position? I am very proud of Mr. McLain as I think we all should be. We need more of young citizens to follow in his footsteps now a days. Good luck Mr. McLain
Believe me, paralegals can be just as well versed in law as a lawyer.
Especially those that have worked with good attorneys, or those that have a genuine interest in law and high self expectations.
I have had to be my own lawyer on my own case. I have also had to do a ton of research that should have been done by state attorneys, bureaucrats, and legislators to get some things done. Well, as done as the state is willing to go, which isn't enough.
I think it should be like the old days. One may become a lawyer through law school, therefore an immediate ability to practice, or through apprenticeship, requiring a longer period before one could practice independently.
I think I may have had a few classes with this guy, and if he is who I think he is, he will do a fine job.
What do some of you people know about living in a predominantly Native community....NOTHING! He does..and obviously he know's enough about the law to be chosen for the position.
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The court system is never just or reasoned. You're entirely right, Just1Buck, about being connected. A magistrate with a legal degree is a much better magistrate candidate than one who is thinking of getting one some day. There is no "apprenticeship" for magistrates.
Welcome to Galena Mr, McLain, I am pleased with the choice the judges made. I look forward to working with you.
Walt Wilcox
City Manager
Galena
"A magistrate with a legal degree is a much better magistrate candidate than one who is thinking of getting one some day."
This may well be true in many cases but rural Alaska is not most cases. What is just as important off the road system is finding a magistrate that is competent, hard working and willing to stay in rural Alaska long enough to do the job. What is not needed is a magistrate with legal degree who is unhappy because they can't go to the movies on Friday night or dancing or to grandma's house etc, etc, etc. McLain is experienced in the bush (and I don't mean Nenana) and as hard working as anyone UAF has ever turned out. His competence has steadily risen over the last few years and will contiue to do so with each year under his belt. And I assure you Satterberg has trained him well to dot his Is and cross his Ts. Meaning no disrespect to anyone in Galena but most of what he will be ruling on is simply not that complicated. I'd work with him on any case on either side of the aisle, any day. Point is, its a good pick and the people in Galena are getting a great addition to their community.
I agree and I'm quite sure he's the guy.
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