GOVERNOR Benigno R. Fitial is looking to appoint a new public defender after accepting the resignation of Public Defender Elisa Long, who has accepted a very promising career opportunity in the U.S., where she will be closer to her family, according to a media release from his office.
At the governor’s cabinet meeting Wednesday morning, Long announced her intention to accept a position in the states and introduced Adam Hardwicke as her recommended successor for the Public Defender’s Office.
“I would like to recommend that you appoint Adam Hardwicke to fill my position as public defender. Adam has been an assistant public defender in the CNMI since 2005, and he worked for seven years prior to that with the Colorado state public defender. He came to the PDO highly recommended by his Colorado supervisors, and he has proven himself a dedicated and skilled attorney at the PDO,” said Long.
According to Long, Hardwicke has successfully led the juvenile division of the Public Defender’s Office, training other attorneys in the office in juvenile matters and representing the majority of juvenile clients.
He is the committee member charged with drafting the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Juvenile Code.
Long also spoke highly of Hardwicke’s excellent rapport with the judiciary, his co-workers, and his clients.
Outside of the PDO, Hardwicke has been active in the community as an organizer and coach in the CNMI Junior Golf Program.
He is also a championship flight tournament golfer and the vice president of the Refalawasch Golf Association. He was a volunteer in the 2006 and 2007 mock trial competitions, serving as a volunteer judge and juror.
Hardwicke is a graduate of the Willamette University College of Law and has passed the bar in Colorado and the CNMI.
He has been practicing law for nearly 10 years.
“In my opinion, Adam will make an outstanding public defender,” said Long.
Fitial said that although he was sorry to lose Long, he respected her decision and wished her a very satisfying legal career in the U.S.
“It has been an honor to serve in your administration,” Long told the governor.
Fitial will meet with Hardwicke and Long this week and later consult the Senate about a possible nomination and confirmation for the Public Defender’s Office, which defends indigent clients facing criminal charges.