Senior Circuit Judge M. Margaret McKeown, Chief Circuit Judge Mary H. Murguia, and Circuit Judge Johnnie B. Rawlinson are flanked by CNMI high school students at the United States Courthouse after an engaging Q&A session. – Photo By: District Court for the NMI photos
(Press Release) — From Sept. 24 to 26, 2025, the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands hosted its annual District Conference in partnership with the Pacific Judicial Council. The Council includes members from the judiciaries of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia and their state courts of Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap. This year’s joint conference brought together legal professionals, judges, justices- including the Republic of the Marshall Islands Chief Justices Daniel N. Cadra of the Supreme Court and Carl Ingram of the High Court, and members of the Northern Marianas Bar Association for three days of legal education, professional exchange, and regional collaboration.
The judicial conference opened with a historic moment: oral arguments before a three-judge panel from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals — the first such session held in the Northern Marianas since 2002. The panel featured Chief Circuit Judge Mary H. Murguia, Circuit Judge Johnnie B. Rawlinson, and Senior Circuit Judge M. Margaret McKeown.
Following the proceedings, the judges held an engaging Question & Answer session with attendees, including students from several Saipan high schools. The panel shared personal stories about their journeys to the bench, the challenges they overcame, and their advice for aspiring legal professionals. Their approachable and candid style created an inspiring atmosphere that encouraged student participation and sparked interest in the legal field.
Immediately after the Q&A, the District Court and Pacific Judicial Council Conference officially commenced. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona welcomed the presenters and attendees, followed by Chief Judge Murguia’s keynote address on the State of the Ninth Circuit. Her remarks offered valuable insights into current legal issues and emphasized the importance of judicial independence and regional engagement.
Mary H. Murguia, chief judge of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, delivers her remarks on the State of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to attendees of the District Conference. – Photo By: District Court for the NMI photos
The morning continued with updates from NMI Bar Association Secretary Gretchen A. Smith on the State of the Bar, and from Bruce L. Berline, CJA panel attorney district representative, on the State of the NMI Criminal Justice Act Plan.
A highlight of the morning was the presentation of the Honorable Alex R. Munson Professionalism Award, which honors attorneys who exemplify integrity, competence, civility, and a deep commitment to the rule of law. Chief Judge Manglona presented the award to Steven P. Pixley, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the legal community. Pixley is the second recipient of this award and is widely respected for his professionalism and courtesy, consistently exceeding the ethical standards of legal practice and embodying the ideals upheld by Judge Munson.
The remainder of the conference was held at the Crowne Plaza Resort, where speakers from the Judicial Education Institute and various jurisdictions led sessions on constitutional construction and interpretation, artificial intelligence, and judicial ethics.
Reflecting on the success of the conference, Chief Judge Manglona stated:
“The presence of the Ninth Circuit judges reaffirmed the Ninth Circuit’s deep connection to the Pacific region and our shared commitment to the rule of law. We were also fortunate to have members of the Pacific Judicial Council participate, including its president, Chief Justice Robert J. Torres, Jr. of the Guam Supreme Court. We further appreciate the presence and presentations of U.S. Sixth Circuit Chief Judge Jeffrey S. Sutton and District Court Judge Joseph Laplante from the District of New Hampshire at the conference.”
For more information about the District Conference or the U.S. District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands, contact the clerk’s office at (670) 236-2900 or visit www.nmid.uscourts.gov/.
District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona presents the Honorable Alex R. Munson Professionalism Award to local attorney Steven P. Pixley during the District Conference. – Photo By: District Court for the NMI photos
