Public defender list narrowed to four attorneys

Kim Smith

Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2001 | 8:48 a.m.

The list of defense attorneys vying for Clark County's top public defender position has been narrowed from seven to four.

Federal Public Defender Franny Forsman and Deputy Public Defenders Peter Christiansen, Marcus Cooper and Ralph Baker will meet with County Manager Thom Reilly by the end of the week, said Raymond Visconti, assistant director of human resources.

Reilly will then recommend one of the applicants to the County Commission to replace Morgan Harris, who is retiring after 29 years as the public defender.

The list was pared by a panel including District Judge Michael Douglas and defense attorneys Bill Terry and Steve Wolfson.

Those not making the cut were Jack Howard, William "Lew" Wolfbrandt and Deputy Public Defender Will Ewing.

Though defense attorney Thomas Pitaro had taken an application, Pitaro, citing financial reasons, decided against competing for the position.

Douglas said he focused on things such as leadership and vision during the interview process.

Those selected, Douglas said, recognized the need of the office to offer better training and investigations. He also said they saw the need for more interaction with defendants.

Douglas said he believes all four attorneys selected would be able to rally the office and move it forward.

Douglas scoffed at widespread courthouse rumors that the final applicants would be selected based on gender, religion or race.

"I'd be sad that someone would say that," Douglas said. "These individuals are all qualified individuals."

Forsman has headed the federal public defender's office since 1989, when she was appointed by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals; Cooper has been with the public defender's office nearly 24 years.

Christiansen has been with the public defender's office almost 26 years, and Baker has been with the office several years, many as a member of the team that handles murder cases.

"I'm glad I don't have to make the final decision" because it would be too difficult, Douglas said.

Visconti said it is unclear when Reilly would submit his choice.