Attorney General Edward Buckingham noted Taijeron’s diverse legal experience in handling civil and criminal cases, in local and federal courts.
“I am excited to welcome him back to the AG’s office,” said Buckingham in a statement.
He added that Taijeron’s 10-month experience in drafting legislation will also benefit the AGO.
Taijeron worked as assistant attorney general from April 2002 to Nov. 2008 until his transfer to the House of Representatives.
Taijeron said he’s grateful for Buckingham’s confidence in his legal skills and vowed to help him better serve the public.
“The commonwealth deserves an Office of the Attorney General that is capable of vigorously upholding commonwealth law and adequately representing government agencies. I will commit to achieving this goal and will work to make the Office of Attorney General even more professional and accountable than it already is,” said Taijeron as he thanked the Legislative Bureau and its employees.
“I’m also anxious to be able to apply the knowledge that I have gained as a legal counsel at the Legislature, in terms of how the Legislature operates and how laws are created, to improve law enforcement,” he added.
Taijeron received a bachelor’s degree in government and international studies from the University Of Notre Dame, Indiana, where he graduated with honors.
He graduated from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, California, on full academic scholarship.
Press Secretary Charles P. Reyes Jr. said Taijeron’s appointment should help improve the relations between the executive and legislative branches of the government.
The governor’s senior policy advisor, Ramon C. Mafnas, said Taijeron is “one of the most experienced prosecutors at the [AGO], and is also one of [its] most experienced local attorneys….”
Lawmakers also wished Taijeron well on his new appointment.
Vice Speaker Joseph Deleon Guerrero, R-Saipan, said: “I think the Legislature will be losing a very competent and knowledgeable legal counsel. I appreciated not just Joe’s legal advice, but often sought his personal guidance on many issues as well. I will miss his company and wish my friend the best.”
Saipan Republican Rep. Rosemond B. Santos, also an attorney, said Taijeron was instrumental in drafting very complex legislation.
She thanked Taijeron for working with her on the Judicial and Governmental Operations committee, and amending and clarifying many House bills and resolutions.
Saipan Democratic Sen. Luis P. Crisostimo, for his part, said: “Attorney General Buckingham has made a wise choice in selecting Joe Taijeron as his Deputy Attorney General. Joe is a native son of the Marianas and has been a dedicated government staffer. It is heart-warming to know that Attorney General Buckingham saw Joe as someone he can rely on. Joe has the professional knowledge and experience to make a difference, and I wish him well as he undertakes his new responsibility.”
