OAG’s Nelson sworn into CNMI Bar Association

Office of the Attorney General Civil Division chief Alison Michelle Nelson was sworn into the CNMI Bar Association last Wednesday at the Guma Hustisia in Susupe.

Nelson’s swearing in was during a special court session that also awarded winners of the Judiciary’s Voice of Democracy art and essay competition in celebration of National Law Week, Law Day and the CNMI Judiciary’s 35th anniversary.

Her oath of attorney was followed by the signing of the official roll of attorney’s book and a certificate presentation.

Nelson received her juris doctorate from the Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College. She received her B.A. degree from Whitman College.

Nelson told Saipan Tribune that after falling in love with the community on Saipan, she not only looks forward to serve in court, but also wants to spend more years on the island.

“I started working for the Office of the Attorney General in July of 2020, under a limited governmental attorney admission, which allowed me to practice for up to four years. And the court has recently changed the rule to allow for an extension of up to four more years, but my family intends to stay here indefinitely, and so I wanted to take part so we could stay long-term.”

Nelson shared that she has been the Civil Division chief for about two years now and oversees litigation by assigning civil cases to other government attorneys. She also currently represents the Department of Public Lands.

“Most of the litigation that involves the Department of Public Lands I handle that personally. I’ve been working with the executive director of the Commonwealth Casino Commission on the revocation proceedings for [Imperial Pacific International’s] license, so it’s been busy.”

Nelson said she’s very excited about the future and looks forward to continue serving the island community.

“I love the community and the people and I feel like we are able to just do a lot through the Office of the Attorney General for the good of the Commonwealth. I feel like this gives me an opportunity to contribute. And as far as my family is concerned, we just feel like it’s such a welcoming community, and my son’s loving his school, my husband is at the hospital and enjoying his job there, so we just feel like it’s a great fit for our family and we want to stay,” she said.