Scramble starts for public defender job

Kim Smith

Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2001 | 11:26 a.m.

One day after Clark County officials announced longtime Public Defender Morgan Harris is retiring, courthouse sources have developed a short list of potential successors.

At the top of the list is Franny Forsman, who was appointed federal public defender by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in July 1989.

Justice of the Peace Deborah Lippis said she had considered applying for the county position but backed out after speaking with Forsman, who said she intended to submit her name for consideration. Forsman is on vacation and could not be reached for comment this morning.

Longtime Deputy Public Defenders Peter Christiansen and Will Ewing are also said to be considering applying for the position.

Raymond Visconti, assistant director of human resources, said the county will accept applications for the position until Sept. 4.

Harris was hired by the county in 1969 and was appointed as public defender in 1972 by the County Commission.

Harris, who rarely makes public appearances, did not return phone calls this morning, and a spokesman for his office said last week that Harris would prefer not to discuss his retirement with the media.

Clark County District Attorney Stewart Bell said Harris has done an excellent job in keeping up with the demands of his job, despite the phenomenal growth of Clark County.

"It took skill and leadership, and Morgan provided it," Bell said.

Visconti said a team of county officials will interview all job applicants and County Manager Thomas Reilly will submit his recommendations to the county commissioners.

Although Harris has not indicated when his final day will be, Visconti said he anticipates a replacement will be named in October or November.

The position pays between $97,834 and $151,642 per year, depending upon education and experience.

There are about 70 attorneys in the public defender's office.